EU heads gather to discuss new leadership in wake of far-right election successes – Europe live | European Union
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Ursula von der Leyen is on course to keep her job after the EU elections
Jennifer Rankin
Ursula von der Leyen is on course for a second term as European Commission president as EU leaders meet tonight for the first discussion on splitting the bloc’s top posts.
The EU’s 27 heads of state and government will gather for dinner in Brussels in their first group meeting since last week’s European elections gave nationalist and far-right parties a boost and sparked Emmanuel Macron to call early elections in France.
At stake is whether von der Leyen will get a second five-year term as head of the commission that initiates and implements EU law. EU leaders will also decide on the successors of Charles Michelthe President of the European Council, and Josep Borrellfirst diplomat of the EU.
Von der Leyen has long been the clear favourite. As the leading candidate for the centre-right European People’s Party, which will be the largest group in the new European Parliament with 26% of the seats, her position was boosted by the vote across Europe.
The consensus is also strengthening around the former prime minister of Portugal, a socialist Antonio Costa to take over from Michel the presidency of the EU Council meetings.
Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaya Callasis the favorite to take over from Borrell as the EU’s top diplomat.
Key events
Another senior European diplomat said it was “too early to say” whether Ursula von der Leyen – Antonio Costa – The Kaia Callas package has been retained.
Asked how the negotiations are going, a European diplomat told us they don’t believe there will be any problems.
“There are talks between the leaders, but I haven’t heard any major obstacles,” this person said.
What is happening now?
Leaders negotiate in small groups and various combinations.
Slovakia will nominate Maros Šefčovič as a member of the European Commission
Slovakia will offer Marosh Sefcovic as his candidate for commissioner.
Shefcovic is a long-time member of the commission, currently serving as executive vice-chair.
As leaders negotiate for top jobs, in the press field another competition is also drawing attention.
And as leaders wrestle with questions over the EU’s top jobs, Ireland’s Simon Harris had a phone conversation with Joe Biden on the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine and Northern Ireland.
Tonight I had a phone conversation with @POTUS.
We discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the recent summit on Ukraine, the restoration of Northern Ireland’s institutions and our bilateral economic relationship. pic.twitter.com/VAVHT8qeuG— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 17, 2024
Who is Antonio Costa?
Antonio Costa is the favorite to replace Charles Michel as President of the European Council.
He is the leading contender for three reasons: he is a socialist, from southern Europe, and he is liked by European leaders.
As the European Commission post is earmarked for the centre-right European People’s Party, which won the most seats in the European Parliament elections, the second-placed Socialist Party will take over the Council role.
And with a German politician – Ursula von der Leyen – about to get the role of the Commission and of Estonia Kaya Callas proposed for the top foreign policy post, leaders are looking for geographic diversity for the package.
Costa, who became Portugal’s prime minister in 2015, announced his resignation at the end of 2023 amid an investigation into alleged wrongdoing in his administration’s handling of major green investment projects. Elections in March then brought the rival centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) to power.
Costa himself has not been charged with a crime, and given his reputation as a pragmatist who is easy to work with on the European stage, many leaders appear ready to back him.
However, there were some voices raising questions about legal issues in Portugal and asking for more clarification on Costa’s current situation.
“It seems that the pro-European forces can continue,” Mezzola says
Roberta Mezzolathe President of the European Parliament, said that there would be three announcements this evening.
“Democracy is very much alive, it looks like pro-EU forces can continue to cooperate in the coming years on what will be very demanding legislation,” she said.
“Secondly, the demands and results of the Parliament must be taken into account when choosing the President of the European Commission, and I can confirm that the majority of the political groups in the European Parliament support the process of the leading candidate,” Metzola said.
Parliament will also ensure the “smoothest process to elect the next President of the European Commission”.
of Hungary Viktor Orban met with Law and Justice Mateusz Morawiecki and the Slovenian Democratic Party Yanez Jansha.
Janša is a close ally of Orbán, but his party belongs to the center-right European People’s Party (EPP).
Law and Justice is part of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
The Slovenian Prime Minister supports Costa
Robert Golobthe Slovenian prime minister, said he supported Antonio Costais running for President of the European Council.
“He has a lot of experience, a lot of wisdom,” he said.
Golob also said he had received “clarifications” on legal issues raised in connection with Costa’s candidacy.
Peter Orpothe Finnish Prime Minister, also expressed his support for Ursula von der Leyen.
While all eyes are on the top jobs in the EU, those in Poland Donald Tusk said he would talk to Germany Olaf Scholz for an incident on the German-Polish border.
Poland expressed concern after German police left a group of migrants on the Polish side of the border.
Będę za przemów rozwawił z kanclerzem Scholzem o niedopuszczalnym incydencie z uśłajem niemieckiej policji i family migrantów po naszej stronie granicy. Sprawa musi być bezłołowo wyświłona.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) June 17, 2024
The German chancellor calls for a quick decision
Olaf Scholzthe German chancellor, said that it is important that the decision be taken quickly because we live in difficult times, reported Reuters.
“Given that the political platform that supported the president (von der Leyen) in the parliament until now has a majority again, I believe it will be possible to quickly find a reasonable solution,” he said.
He added:
It is important that the decision is taken quickly because we are living in difficult times and it is important to know what the future of Europe holds.
of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakisone of the negotiators from the European People’s Party, was asked why he supported Ursula von der Leyen.
“Because she was our spitzencandidate and because the EPP won the European elections – and because she is a very good President of the Commission,” he said.
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