French President Macron to skip EU summit for cyclone relief efforts in overseas territory

ISTANBUL

French President Emmanuel Macron will skip an EU summit scheduled for Thursday, instead traveling to a French-held territory off the coast of Africa that was hard hit by cyclone.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will represent France during the summit to ensure the country’s participation in key discussions and votes, the Elysee Palace said, as reported by Ouest France.

Macron's trip aims to demonstrate solidarity with residents of the French overseas territory of Mayotte and announce possible relief from Cyclone Chido, which hit the archipelago on Saturday, leaving up to thousands dead, officials fear.

On Scholz stepping in to stand for Germany, Elysee described this a “an established tradition” between the two countries, citing a similar arrangement in 2003 when then-President Jacques Chirac represented German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at a European Council meeting.

Under an EU treaty, one council member can delegate their vote to another leader.

The EU Summit is set to discuss major international issues, including the Ukraine conflict – now approaching its third year – as well as transatlantic ties, EU-UK relations, and enlargement.

Leaders are also expected to address the Middle East situation and developments in Moldova and Georgia, two countries whose EU hopes loomed large in recent local elections.

However, Macron is set to take part in a working dinner with other EU leaders on Wednesday evening before departing for Mayotte.

Authorities in Mayotte are racing to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to victims of Chido, the worst storm to hit the islands in about a century.

The disaster laid waste to large parts of the Indian Ocean archipelago, France's poorest overseas territory.

The powerful cyclone brought winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (125 miles per hour), flattening homes and crippling infrastructure.

Many areas remain inaccessible, with damaged roads and power outages hampering relief efforts.