The distribution of top jobs after the elections to the European Parliament is a delicate negotiation process for the leaders of the European Union. The informal summit happening on Monday in Brussels will focus on discussions around who will take on the roles of president of the European Commission, president of the European Council, and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The balancing act of considering political affiliations, geographical origins, and gender balance for the top jobs to secure support across the table often makes the negotiations challenging.
In 2019, the selection of top jobs took several days of wrangling, including an all-night marathon session that left leaders visibly exhausted. However, after the recent elections, there is a consensus emerging faster than anticipated. The expected names in the running for the top jobs are Ursula von der Leyen for the Commission, António Costa for the Council, and Kaja Kallas for High Representative. This swift pace in decision-making has been attributed to the lack of credible alternatives from the parties involved. While hopes are high for a quick resolution, the final agreement might be postponed to the formal summit on June 27.
Ursula von der Leyen, the current president of the European Commission, has been considered the frontrunner for re-election since February. Despite initial concerns about her responses to certain crises and her centralised working style, her party’s strong showing in the elections with 190 seats has bolstered her position. Negotiations have already begun to build a centrist coalition for the next five years. Von der Leyen will need to secure the backing of a majority of newly-elected members in the European Parliament to secure her second term as Commission president.
António Costa, a veteran politician from Portugal, is the Socialist and Democrats’ nominee for the presidency of the European Council. After a career marked by both praise and controversy, Costa is looking to take over the role currently held by Charles Michel. The Socialists see an opportunity to claim the position and have put forward Costa’s name, banking on his experience and constructive approach. Should there be a change of heart regarding Costa, there are alternatives like Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen or Mario Draghi, who have also been mentioned for the Council role.
For the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the liberal Renew Europe group is pushing for a candidate after their disappointing election performance. The current officeholder, Josep Borrell, has often faced criticism for his off-script remarks. The geographical factor will play a significant role in choosing the successor, with a preference for an Eastern representative. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has emerged as a strong contender for the role, given her active involvement in the EU’s response to global crises like the conflict in Ukraine. The European leaders will consider candidates like Alexander De Croo or Radosław Sikorski for the position as well.
In conclusion, the post-election negotiations for the top jobs in the European Union are underway, with key figures like Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Kaja Kallas being considered for crucial roles in the Commission, Council, and High Representative positions, respectively. The decisions will be influenced by political affiliations, geographical considerations, and the need for gender balance. While a consensus has emerged faster than expected, the final agreement might be delayed to the formal summit later in June. The distribution of these top jobs will shape the future of the EU and its response to various global challenges.
