European leaders have agreed to grant Ursula von der Leyen a second term as head of the European Commission. This decision is part of a broader distribution of key EU posts, following the recent European elections. However, this reappointment must be confirmed by an absolute majority of MEPs, with the vote expected in mid-July.
In addition to von der Leyen's reappointment, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been chosen to succeed Josep Borrell as the head of EU diplomacy. Known for her strong stance against the Kremlin, Kallas's appointment comes at a critical time amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been appointed as the new president of the European Council, succeeding Charles Michel. Costa, a skilled tactician and pragmatist, will assume his new role on December 1st.
The decisions were largely influenced by an agreement among six European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This 'grand coalition' of right, social democrats, and centrists aimed to balance power within the EU's key positions.
Despite the consensus, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have criticized the arrangement. Orban described it as a 'shameful' coalition of lies, while Meloni denounced it as the actions of an 'oligarchy'. Both leaders seek greater influence for their respective political groups within the EU.
Rome is pushing for a vice-presidency of the European Commission with a significant portfolio to influence industrial and agricultural policy. The Italian government, strengthened by the recent elections, aims to play a more substantial role in the future EU executive.
The summit also focused on the EU's strategic agenda for the next five years, emphasizing security, defense, competitiveness, and the fight against irregular immigration. Additionally, a significant agreement on security commitments with Ukraine is expected to be signed, reinforcing the EU's support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
- President Macron has announced his intention to reappoint Thierry Breton as the French member of the European Commission. Breton has been serving as Commissioner for the Internal Market since 2019, overseeing a vast portfolio that includes digital and industry.
- The leaders of the Twenty-Seven have endorsed the 'strategic agenda' for the next five years, which places a strong emphasis on security, defense, competitiveness, and combating irregular immigration. This agenda aims to address the pressing challenges faced by the EU and ensure its stability and growth.
- Maltese conservative Roberta Metsola is favored to be reappointed for a second term as the head of the European Parliament. Her reappointment is expected to be confirmed during the first plenary session following the mid-July elections in Strasbourg.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be traveling to Brussels to sign an agreement on the EU's 'security commitments' to Ukraine. The EU has expressed its determination to continue supporting Ukraine politically, financially, economically, humanitarianly, militarily, and diplomatically for as long as necessary.
