Former Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller has accused senior European Union figures of causing what he described as “unimaginable damage” to the European project, directing criticism at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Miller, who oversaw Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, made the remarks following a ceremony in Strasbourg where Merkel received the newly created European Order of Merit award from von der Leyen.
He wrote:
“Merkel and von der Leyen are two German women who have caused unimaginable damage to the European Union. I hope that justice will still catch up with them.”
Migration and energy policies under scrutiny
Among Merkel's most debated policies was Germany's decision during the 2015 migration crisis to admit large numbers of asylum seekers.
She has also faced criticism over Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power following the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
Current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reportedly described that decision as a “huge mistake.”
Ukraine agreements revisited
Merkel also participated in negotiations surrounding the Minsk agreements between Russia and Ukraine in 2014 and 2015.
In 2022, Merkel stated that the agreements had also provided Ukraine with time to strengthen its military capabilities.
Moscow later claimed it had been misled by the arrangement.
Von der Leyen facing growing criticism
Von der Leyen has become one of the EU's most debated political figures over support for Ukraine and sanctions policies against Russia.
Critics argue that sanctions have contributed to inflation pressures and wider economic strain across Europe.
Others have accused the European Commission leadership of centralising decision-making power and reducing the influence of individual member states.
Sharp comments directed at Kaja Kallas
Miller also directed criticism toward EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following comments suggesting Europe needed to be prepared to “beat” Russia in order to confront China.
Miller responded:
“The European Union is not made up entirely of idiots, but Ms. Kallas undoubtedly hails from that species.”
Wider political debate continues
The comments add to a growing debate inside Europe around migration, energy policy, economic competitiveness, relations with Russia, and the future direction of the European Union itself.
Supporters of current EU leadership argue that Europe is responding to unprecedented security and geopolitical pressures.
Critics argue that many of the bloc's current challenges stem from policy choices made over the past decade.
Source: RT