The European Union leaders backed Ursula von der Leyen (European People’s Party) to serve as President of the European Commission for another five years. In 2019, von der Leyen became the first woman to lead the EU’s executive branch in its 62-year history. However, she narrowly secured the support of MEPs at that time, and they will vote again this year to confirm her position.
For her term renewal, von der Leyen requires the support of more than 50% of the 720 members of the European Parliament. Currently, she has the backing of 55% of MEPs.
In addition to approving Ursula von der Leyen’s renewal as President of the European Commission, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa (Social Democrats) was also approved as the next President of the European Council for a 2.5-year term, with the possibility of renewal.
Finally, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Renew) has been appointed as the next High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for a 5-year term.
Italian Prime Minister and President of the European Conservatives and Reformists, Georgia Meloni, criticized the distribution of top positions in EU institutions among the EPP, Social Democrats, and Renew, arguing that it ignores her group’s growing popularity in the elections.
Kaja, Ursula and Antonio accepted. Defence plans accepted. Satisfaction. For Poland and for Europe.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) June 27, 2024
