Brussels [Belgium], European Union (EU) leaders recently met in Brussels to decide the leadership of the bloc for the next five years, a decision that was not without controversy as Italian and Hungarian leaders expressed their disagreement. Despite opposition from Italy's Georgia Meloni and Hungary's Viktor Orban, Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas were nominated for prominent EU positions at the summit, euronews reported.
Ursula von der Leyen won her second term as president of the European Commission, while Antonio Costa, former prime minister of Portugal, was named president of the European Council. Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, was nominated for the position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The confirmation of von der Leyen and Kallas still awaits approval by the European Parliament, while Costa's appointment as Council President is automatic due to his previous position. He is scheduled to take office on December 1. Italian Prime Minister Meloni expressed her opposition to Costa and Kallas, abstaining from von der Leyen's nomination, according to diplomatic sources. Orban opposed von der Leyen's candidacy, but abstained in Kallas and supported Costa, according to euronews.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the leaders who supported my nomination for a second term," von der Leyen said of her reappointment. "I feel very honored".
Accepting his new role, Costa expressed a sense of mission, stating: "It is with a strong sense of mission that I will take on the responsibility of being the next President of the European Council." He thanked his socialist supporters and the Portuguese government for their support and emphasized his commitment to unity and the advancement of the Strategic Agenda. Kallas, addressing his nomination, acknowledged the weight of responsibility in the current geopolitical climate: "It is a enormous responsibility at this time of geopolitical tensions. He pledged to collaborate effectively with von der Leyen and Costa, emphasizing common European interests and values.
The decision to name these leaders came after party negotiators finalized an agreement earlier in the week, which was subsequently endorsed during the summit. Along with the leadership appointments, the Strategic Agenda was also approved, outlining broad ambitions for the EU's future efforts.
The negotiations and subsequent decisions were not without criticism from some leaders who felt marginalized in the process. Meloni, particularly vocal in her objections, criticized the process as "surreal" and called for more inclusive debates that reflect voters' feelings, as euronews reported. Hungary's Orban echoed the discontent and called the result "shameful." . In contrast, leaders like Germany's Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for political stability and quick action amid global challenges, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Reflecting on the controversial summit, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo defended the decision, stating: "Democracy is not just about blocking; democracy is about who wants to work together." He underlined the importance of cooperation between the designated leaders for the benefit of all Europeans.
Von der Leyen's re-election represents continuity in EU leadership, building on his experience in major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. His mandate has been marked by efforts to strengthen the unity and resilience of the EU. The appointment of Antonio Costa as President of the Council marks a new stage, despite the doubts surrounding his political career in Portugal. His diplomatic and previous government skills are seen as assets to enhance the Council's role in EU affairs.
Kaja Kallas, known for her strong stance on international issues, faces the task of achieving consensus on EU foreign policy amidst diverse interests of Member States. Her appointment underlines the EU's commitment to effective global participation and representation.
The selection of the trio reflects the EU's emphasis on political diversity, geographical representation and gender balance in leadership roles. Costa's heritage, with roots stretching beyond Europe, also highlights broader inclusion in EU leadership. Looking ahead, von der Leyen has begun talks with socialist and liberal groups to formulate an agenda coherent for his next mandate. He expressed openness to broader parliamentary support to strengthen Europe's resilience and influence globally, euronews reported.
Ursula von der Leyen won her second term as president of the European Commission, while Antonio Costa, former prime minister of Portugal, was named president of the European Council. Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, was nominated for the position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The confirmation of von der Leyen and Kallas still awaits approval by the European Parliament, while Costa's appointment as Council President is automatic due to his previous position. He is scheduled to take office on December 1. Italian Prime Minister Meloni expressed her opposition to Costa and Kallas, abstaining from von der Leyen's nomination, according to diplomatic sources. Orban opposed von der Leyen's candidacy, but abstained in Kallas and supported Costa, according to euronews.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the leaders who supported my nomination for a second term," von der Leyen said of her reappointment. "I feel very honored".
Accepting his new role, Costa expressed a sense of mission, stating: "It is with a strong sense of mission that I will take on the responsibility of being the next President of the European Council." He thanked his socialist supporters and the Portuguese government for their support and emphasized his commitment to unity and the advancement of the Strategic Agenda. Kallas, addressing his nomination, acknowledged the weight of responsibility in the current geopolitical climate: "It is a enormous responsibility at this time of geopolitical tensions. He pledged to collaborate effectively with von der Leyen and Costa, emphasizing common European interests and values.
The decision to name these leaders came after party negotiators finalized an agreement earlier in the week, which was subsequently endorsed during the summit. Along with the leadership appointments, the Strategic Agenda was also approved, outlining broad ambitions for the EU's future efforts.
The negotiations and subsequent decisions were not without criticism from some leaders who felt marginalized in the process. Meloni, particularly vocal in her objections, criticized the process as "surreal" and called for more inclusive debates that reflect voters' feelings, as euronews reported. Hungary's Orban echoed the discontent and called the result "shameful." . In contrast, leaders like Germany's Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for political stability and quick action amid global challenges, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Reflecting on the controversial summit, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo defended the decision, stating: "Democracy is not just about blocking; democracy is about who wants to work together." He underlined the importance of cooperation between the designated leaders for the benefit of all Europeans.
Von der Leyen's re-election represents continuity in EU leadership, building on his experience in major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. His mandate has been marked by efforts to strengthen the unity and resilience of the EU. The appointment of Antonio Costa as President of the Council marks a new stage, despite the doubts surrounding his political career in Portugal. His diplomatic and previous government skills are seen as assets to enhance the Council's role in EU affairs.
Kaja Kallas, known for her strong stance on international issues, faces the task of achieving consensus on EU foreign policy amidst diverse interests of Member States. Her appointment underlines the EU's commitment to effective global participation and representation.
The selection of the trio reflects the EU's emphasis on political diversity, geographical representation and gender balance in leadership roles. Costa's heritage, with roots stretching beyond Europe, also highlights broader inclusion in EU leadership. Looking ahead, von der Leyen has begun talks with socialist and liberal groups to formulate an agenda coherent for his next mandate. He expressed openness to broader parliamentary support to strengthen Europe's resilience and influence globally, euronews reported.
