The European Union is set to hold a two-day summit where they will focus on allocating the bloc’s top jobs for the next five years, as well as discussing the Strategic Agenda for the upcoming mandate. The proposed names for the top jobs include Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission, António Costa as president of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. These selections have been made based on the candidates’ political merits and a lack of credible alternatives. Negotiators have agreed to support the established practice of continuity, with the EPP retaining control of the Commission, the Socialists taking over the Council, and the liberals being given the High Representative post.
The final decision on the top jobs will be taken by a reinforced qualified majority, but the Council prefers to reach a consensus among all leaders for political sensitivity reasons. One key vote that everyone is waiting for is Giorgia Meloni’s, an Italian premier excluded from the talks between centrist parties. Meloni, from the hard-right ECR group, believes the draft agreement overrides the logic of consensus and excludes those on the opposite political side or from smaller nations. Diplomats and officials recognize the need for proper discussions among all leaders to avoid pre-cooked deals. Italy, in particular, is eyeing important portfolios in the next European Commission, with ambitions for a Vice-President role.
Aside from the top jobs, the summit will also focus on various pressing issues such as military support for Ukraine, the situation in Georgia, and the Israel-Hamas war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make an appearance at the Council to sign security commitments between the EU and Ukraine. This summit will also mark the last intervention of Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, who will soon become the next Secretary General of NATO. The leaders must reach a final agreement by Thursday, with President Macron eager to resume the electoral campaign ahead of Sunday’s legislative elections. The goal is to have the largest number of people on board, with the option for Giorgia Meloni to abstain rather than vote against the decision.
In conclusion, the EU summit will be crucial in finalizing the allocation of the bloc’s top jobs for the next five years. The proposed selections of Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Kaja Kallas have been made based on their political credentials and the lack of credible alternatives. Negotiators have agreed to support the established practice of continuity, ensuring the EPP retains control of the Commission, the Socialists take over the Council, and the liberals are given the High Representative post. The summit will also address other important issues such as military support for Ukraine, the situation in Georgia, and the Israel-Hamas war. All leaders must reach a final agreement by Thursday, with a focus on achieving consensus and having the largest number of supporters on board.
