Scholz: "Clear hope" for a second term in office for von der Leyen
The heads of state and government aim to make a final decision on the nominations for the EU top jobs. Six representatives from Conservatives, Social Democrats, and Liberals - including Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron - had previously agreed to propose Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as head of the Commission.
"There is a clear consensus that it will be Ursula von der Leyen," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris declared. The new president of the European Council, who organizes meetings of the heads of state and government, is expected to be the former Portuguese prime minister António Costa. The European External Action Service will be headed by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharply criticized the EU top jobs process. "There's an oligarchy in Europe," she said of the agreements.
Scholz, however, emphasized that "all 27 are equally important." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that "there will be no decision without Prime Minister Meloni." Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also spoke in favor of Meloni "being included in this negotiation process." Italy has recently claimed one of the EU vice-commissioners.
For the personnel package, a qualified majority of 15 EU countries is necessary at the summit, representing 65% of the European population. However, the necessary absolute majority of votes in the European Parliament from the Leyen camp is less secure.
"Our intention is that the political platform that Frau von der Leyen carried in the past should continue to do so in the future," Scholz stated in Brussels, looking at the majority in the European People's Party (EVP), Social Democrats, and Liberals in the European Parliament. However, dissenters are likely in the face of the lack of a parliamentary group discipline. The vote is expected to take place no earlier than the first sitting in mid-July.
- Olaf Scholz, along with other representatives from Conservative, Social Democrat, and Liberal parties, supported Ursula von der Leyen's nomination for another term as EU Commission President.
- Simon Harris, the Irish Prime Minister, echoed the sentiment of clear consensus for Ursula von der Leyen's reappointment.
- In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the EU top jobs process, labeling it an "oligarchy" in Europe.
- Despite Meloni's criticisms, Scholz emphasized the equal importance of all 27 EU members in the decision-making process.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer advocated for Meloni's inclusion in the EU top jobs negotiation process.
- Scholz expressed hope to continue the political platform of Ursula von der Leyen in the European People's Party (EVP), Social Democrats, and Liberals in the European Parliament, despite potential dissenters.
