Internal EU row erupts: Michel turns on VDL as she ignores European nations to strike migrant deal

A spokesperson for the EU Commission confirmed €60million (£52million) has already been transferred to assist with the country’s economic woes, with a further 67million expected to be sent to reinforce the border.

In a rare outburst, Michel claimed the council had been excluded from the commission’s Tunisia agreement and undermined the EU’s ability to execute the deal effectively.

WATCH NOW: Ursula von der Leyen says EU will decide who comes to bloc

When asked whether von der Leyen has a slightly different understanding of the distribution of roles, Michel told Der Spiegel that the division of labour works well “most of the time”.

When pressed on the anger over the Tunisia deal and the EU Commission leader overstepping her bounds, Michel said he “understood the frustration of the Member States”.

“The EU is based on treaties and it would be wise to stick to them.

“This is the only way we can ensure that we have a clear mandate - and that those who should ultimately decide, namely the member states, are involved.

EU LATEST:

• Ex-border chief blasts 'nonsense' creep back to EU on migrant plan
• UK makes new migrant deal with EU
• Eurostar takes urgent action on trains after blood-sucking bedbug outbreak in Paris

“This applies not only to the agreement with Tunisia, but also to all other future agreements of this kind.

“It is not for nothing that the European Court of Justice has repeatedly stated what the division of labour in the EU looks like.

“Migration requires a holistic, joint approach that also includes viable legal channels.

“We must overcome them together and find the right balance between solidarity and opportunity.”

Weighing in on the spat, a Commission spokesperson on Wednesday publicly refuted the Council chief’s remarks, arguing they were “partially inaccurate”.

However defending Michel, a spokesperson for the EU Council leader said he “has always fully supported the engagement of the EU with third countries to manage migratory flows in a holistic manner”.

The spokesperson continued to tell Politico that he has “systematically put migration on the agenda of EUCO, including in Granada.”

“A number of member states have stressed the importance to follow the rules that exist for the conclusion of such agreements.”

EPP leader Manfred Weber accused Michel of undermining the deal with Tunisia, saying: “If doubts are now being sown both on the European side with Charles Michel’s statements and on the Tunisian side, then it is of course extremely dangerous”.

Saied this week rejected the EU’s €127million claiming the money was “derisory” and contradicted the memorandum signed in mid-July.

“Tunisia rejects what the EU announced, not because of the small amount ... but because the proposal conflicts with the memorandum of understanding signed in July,” Saied said.

Hitting back at Saied, the bloc’s neighbourhood commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said the ungrateful president could simply wire back the money it had already received.

“Tunisia is free to cancel its formal disbursement request and wire back the money to the EU budget,” Varhelyi said.

“EU values its partnership with Tunisia and stands ready to cooperate in the spirit of genuine partnership.”

The funds sent this week come as part of a larger pledge to provide €1billion (£860million) with the aim of stemming migration flows from North Africa, reinforcing the economy and rescuing state finances.