EU's Tusk and Juncker pass baton to new leadership in Brussels
On Sunday, Michel will formally succeed Tusk, while Germany's Ursula von der Leyen will take over at the helm of the European Commission from outgoing President Jean-Claude Juncker.
"Europe is the best place on earth, at least as long as it remains a continent of freedom and rule of law ... inhabited by a community aware of its history and culture," Tusk said, before symbolically handing Michel the bell used at summits to call EU leaders to order.
"I'm sure you, dear Charles, will use all your talents and virtues to maintain our unity," he added.
Michel, who recently stepped down as Belgian prime minister, said he would take a "common-sense approach to problem-solving with innovation and efficiency."
He flagged the environment as a key priority, picking up on one of von der Leyen's core pledges.
"I want Europe to become global leader of the green economy with jobs, innovation and a high quality of life," Michel said, while acknowledging the need for an approach "that works for all member states."
"Young people have made an appeal to our conscience, we must rise to the occasion," he added, in an apparent reference to youth climate demonstrations that have taken place across Europe and beyond.
"Europe can also stand taller in the world, more self-confident, speaking up for our beliefs and values," Michel noted.
"In the medium to long term, there is a risk of a new Cold War between the United States and China," he said in an interview with Italy's La Stampa and other European newspapers, warning that "Europe risks becoming collateral damage in this future conflict."
In a final press appearance later on Friday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was glad to be leaving his post, which was "not among the easiest."
He said he would tell von der Leyen to "look after Europe."
"Europe needs to be looked after," Juncker added, while noting that he was "highly concerned" about a lack of respect for the rule of law in several EU member states.
Under Juncker's auspices, the commission has taken steps against Poland in particular over judicial reforms that are seen to undermine basic EU values. It has threatened similar action against Romania and has taken Hungary to court over its treatment of migrants.
As a parting shot, Juncker guest-edited Friday's edition of "Playbook," a morning newsletter by the Politico news site.
"It is no secret that Europe is and will always be the great love of my life and so to lead the European Commission over the past five years has truly been the greatest of honours," he wrote.
Juncker called his five-year term "no picnic," and mentioned the Greek eurozone crisis and Brexit among the "challenging moments" that punctuated it.
"I will be leaving before [Britain] does. In a way, I am not unhappy about this because it breaks my heart to see a member of our Union leave its midst," he said.
