EU Commission President role remains a concern for Von der Leyen
In Brussels, agreement on the EU's top brass wasn't swift due to the Conservatives demanding extra positions post their victory. As a result, Ursula von der Leyen remains unsure if she'll be re-nominated as EU Commission President by the EU leaders.
The heads of state and government of EU countries failed to reach an irrevocable agreement on the new appointments for EU top positions during a summit in Brussels, as announced by President Charles Michel in the dead of night. Von der Leyen is yet to be certain about getting a second term as EU Commission President by the heads of state and government. They are due to meet again at the end of next week, with the top posts being discussed once more.
Diplomats suggest that the conservative party family, including the CDU and CSU, was trying to prevent the settlement of the EU Council President's office for five years. This would theoretically allow them to claim the office in two and a half years. The Social Democrats reportedly opposed this move.
The conservative-liberal European People's Party (EVP), which was the strongest political force in the European election in early June, was expected to continue with Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President for another five years. The EU Commission Presidency is the most significant position to be filled after the European election. The incumbent or incumbent stands before approximately 32,000 employees who propose new EU laws, oversee the enforcement of European treaties, and represent the EU at major international summit meetings like G7 or G20.
Power Struggle over the Council Presidency
As part of the personnel package, besides the Commission President and the post of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the appointment of the EU Council President is also a contentious issue. The Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is a contender for the latter position, while the former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa is being considered for the Council Presidency. Costa, like Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is a member of the Social Democratic Party (S&D). Kallas, on the other hand, is a liberal (Renew) like French President Emmanuel Macron.
Unlike the Commission President and the High Representative, the Council President is only elected for 2.5 years. However, the post was traditionally promised for five years during the personnel negotiations, like the others.
A decision required in the European Council of Heads of State and Government of the EU states is a so-called "enhanced qualified majority". This means that at least 20 of the 27 EU states must agree, and these must represent at least 65% of the total EU population. Currently, a dozen heads of state and government belong to the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Council. The Liberals, to which French President Macron also belongs, and the social democratic heads of state and government with politicians such as German Chancellor Scholz follow.
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The EU leaders are yet to decide on whether to re-nominate Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President, due to uncertainties arising from the European elections and subsequent negotiations. As a potential alternative for the EU Council President, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa are being considered. The appointment of the EU Council President, along with the Commission President and High Representative, is a key component of the EU's top brass appointments.
