EU Negotiation Drama: Stalemate on Top Jobs Continues

No Agreement Yet on Top Jobs in the EU

The second term of EU Commission President von der Leyen is generally considered secure. However, the negotiation poker for the reshuffling of EU top jobs continues, with a focus on the role of the Council President.

The EU Special Summit concluded without an agreement on assigning the European top jobs. “It was a good conversation, heading in the right direction, I think. But there is no agreement tonight,” stated EU Council President Charles Michel overnight.

Ursula von der Leyen is not completely certain of being nominated for a second term as EU Commission President by the heads of state and government. Michel emphasized that there will be “more clarity” at the regular EU Summit at the end of the following week.

Broad Support for von der Leyen

Michel mentioned that pan-European political parties had put forth suggestions for the positions. Further work towards an agreement is needed, with no specifics provided on the proposals.

During the summit, discussions included the possibility of a second five-year term for von der Leyen. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic stated after deliberations that he hadn’t heard anyone questioning her position. Prior to the summit, von der Leyen received widespread support, with several heads of state and government publicly acknowledging the CDU politician for doing a “very good job” over the past five years, even from those outside her political alliance.

Dispute Over EU Council President Term

The key aspect of negotiations appears to be the succession of Michel as Council President. According to diplomats, the center-right party family EPP, with CDU and CSU, aimed to ensure that the appointment to the office is not immediately set for five years. This would mean that they could theoretically claim the position after two and a half years. Allegedly, the Social Democrats opposed this.

Contrary to the Commission President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the Council President is typically elected for 2.5 years. However, in past negotiations, the position has been promised for five years to a party family, similar to other posts.

Costa and Kallas Eyed for Top Positions

Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa is rumored for the position. Costa, like Chancellor Olaf Scholz, belongs to the Social Democrats party family (S&D).

Moreover, discussions at the summit included the successor to EU High Representative Josep Borrell, with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on the table for the role. Kallas, aligned with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Liberals (Renew), is considered one of the most significant supporters of Ukraine within the EU.