An IMGW News Report
Ursula von der Leyen appears poised to secure a second term as President of the European Commission, with EU leaders convening on Monday to begin discussions on filling the EU’s top roles.
The gathering in Brussels marks the first collective meeting since the recent European elections, which saw a rise in support for nationalist and far-right parties and prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to call for snap elections.
Key decisions include whether von der Leyen will continue for another five years as the head of the commission, responsible for initiating and enforcing EU laws. Leaders will also choose successors for Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, and Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Von der Leyen, the lead candidate for the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), which emerged as the largest group in the new European Parliament with 26% of the seats, remains the frontrunner. Macron’s decision to call early elections in France, seen as a move that will divert his focus from EU matters, is believed to bolster her position. Although Macron had previously suggested Mario Draghi as a potential replacement, it now appears that France will support von der Leyen.
The first round of France’s parliamentary elections is set for 30 June, following an EU summit on 27-28 June aimed at finalising the EU’s key appointments. According to one EU diplomat, the process may be less contentious due to the internal challenges Macron faces at home.
Additionally, António Costa, Portugal’s former Prime Minister, is emerging as a favourite to succeed Charles Michel in chairing the EU Council meetings. Despite resigning last year amid a corruption scandal, Costa is well-regarded among EU leaders and is perceived as a viable candidate from southern Europe. Reports suggesting errors in the corruption case against him have further strengthened his candidacy.
Meanwhile, Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, is a leading contender to replace Josep Borrell as the EU’s top diplomat. Initial concerns about her strong focus on Russia have lessened, making her a favourable choice to represent Central and Eastern Europe.
Diplomatic sources indicate that an early consensus on von der Leyen’s nomination could emerge during Monday’s discussions. However, leaders are expected to link their support to securing influential portfolios within the commission, with countries like France and Italy seeking prominent economic roles, and Spain aiming for the environment portfolio.
The European Parliament, which will elect its president and other senior officials in mid-July, will have the final say in confirming the next commission president. The vote is scheduled for 18 July, requiring the support of 361 out of 720 MEPs for von der Leyen or any other candidate to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, former President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who is from Malta, has accepted the nomination as the EPP’s candidate for the role of President of the European Parliament for a second term. Metsola is likely to secure her second term, where she will serve for another two and a half years before passing the role onto someone else.