The European Union’s leadership faces a deadlock as EU leaders failed to reach a consensus on the appointment of key positions, including the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President. The leaders convened in Brussels to discuss the future head of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the 2024-2029 term. Despite the urgency expressed by leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to quickly reach an agreement amid challenging times for the EU, the dinner meeting ended without a resolution and is expected to be revisited at the formal EU summit on June 27-28.The most contentious issue remains the head of the European Commission, with current President Ursula von der Leyen seeking re-election. The European People’s Party (PPE) has proposed a division of the European Council presidency into two two-and-a-half-year terms, which has not been accepted. António Costa and Kaja Kallas are emerging as potential candidates for high-ranking EU roles. French President Emmanuel Macron and other EU leaders have indicated that a deal seems likely by the next week, with von der Leyen expected to return as Commission chief, Costa as Council head, and Kallas as high representative.The discussions also touched on the balance of power between the European People’s Party and the Socialists and Democrats. The deadlock reflects the challenges the EU faces in aligning the various political factions and national interests within its leadership structure.
Key points
- EU leaders did not reach an agreement on top positions, including the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President.
- Negotiations will continue at the EU summit on June 27-28 with the aim of reaching a decision by the end of June.
- António Costa and Kaja Kallas are among the candidates for top EU roles, with a potential deal expected next week.
