European Council chief denies ‘extravagant spending’ on travel

Charles Michel says higher bills due to demands of Covid pandemic and Ukraine war after use of private jets comes under scrutiny

The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, has denied running up extravagant" travel bills, after his use of private jets came under scrutiny.

Michel, who is responsible for organising EU summits, said his travel bill was higher than his predecessors because of the demands of representing Europe on the world stage during the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine.