EU heads gather to discuss new leadership in wake of far-right election successes – Europe live | European Union
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Ursula von der Leyen is on course to keep her job after the EU elections
Jennifer Rankin
Ursula von der Leyen is on course for a second term as European Commission president as EU leaders meet tonight for the first discussion on splitting the bloc’s top posts.
The EU’s 27 heads of state and government will gather for dinner in Brussels in their first group meeting since last week’s European elections gave nationalist and far-right parties a boost and sparked Emmanuel Macron to call early elections in France.
At stake is whether von der Leyen will get a second five-year term as head of the commission that initiates and implements EU law. EU leaders will also decide on the successors of Charles Michelthe President of the European Council, and Josep Borrellfirst diplomat of the EU.
Von der Leyen has long been the clear favourite. As the leading candidate for the centre-right European People’s Party, which will be the largest group in the new European Parliament with 26% of the seats, her position was boosted by the vote across Europe.
The consensus is also strengthening around the former prime minister of Portugal, a socialist Antonio Costa to take over from Michel the presidency of the EU Council meetings.
Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaya Callasis the favorite to take over from Borrell as the EU’s top diplomat.
Key events
Polish PM emphasizes security, migration, rule of law ahead of summit
Poland wants a Europe who is decisive and strong on security, migration, rule of law and defence, the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusksaid on social media ahead of the summit.
Warsaw is ready to finance these needs, he said, stressing that this is what the voters want and these will be his priorities in the negotiations that are just beginning.
Polska chce Europy zdezydowenej i silnej w sprawach szczecinje, migracji, prawrąządności i obrony. Gotowej finansować te przebów. They want nasi wyborcy. To moje priorityy w rozpoczynających się just negocjacjach.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) June 17, 2024
Leaders of the centre-right European People’s Party are meeting in Brussels ahead of tonight’s meeting of the bloc’s 27 heads of state and government.
The first face-to-face meeting of our leaders since the EPP’s decisive victory in the 2024 European elections, a testament to the strength and unity of our political family. pic.twitter.com/BOvRCWZGXY
— EPP (@EPP) June 17, 2024
of Hungary Viktor Orban has arrived at the Amigo Hotel in Brussels, where he is expected to meet the Italian Georgia MeloniAnsa reports.
Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party has repeatedly signaled it wants to join Meloni’s European political family, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
The Prime Minister of Latvia supports Ursula von der Leyen
Before the summit, leaders meet bilaterally and in small groups.
Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silinjasaid Ursula von der Leyen has her “full support” for a second term as president of the European Commission.
A productive meeting with @vonderleyen on EP elections and EU priorities.
Latvia’s focus: security, defense, support for 🇺🇦, competitiveness. We need swift action on EU leadership roles with balance across geography, gender and politics. Full support for her second term as President of the EC! 🇱🇻🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/LlpjSIGHGI— Evika Silina 🇱🇻🇺🇦 (@EvikaSilina) June 17, 2024
Ursula von der Leyen is on course to keep her job after the EU elections
Jennifer Rankin
Ursula von der Leyen is on course for a second term as European Commission president as EU leaders meet tonight for the first discussion on splitting the bloc’s top posts.
The EU’s 27 heads of state and government will gather for dinner in Brussels in their first group meeting since last week’s European elections gave nationalist and far-right parties a boost and sparked Emmanuel Macron to call early elections in France.
At stake is whether von der Leyen will get a second five-year term as head of the commission that initiates and implements EU law. EU leaders will also decide on the successors of Charles Michelthe President of the European Council, and Josep Borrellfirst diplomat of the EU.
Von der Leyen has long been the clear favourite. As the leading candidate for the centre-right European People’s Party, which will be the largest group in the new European Parliament with 26% of the seats, her position was boosted by the vote across Europe.
The consensus is also strengthening around the former prime minister of Portugal, a socialist Antonio Costa to take over from Michel the presidency of the EU Council meetings.
Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaya Callasis the favorite to take over from Borrell as the EU’s top diplomat.
Welcome to the blog
Good afternoon and welcome to the special edition of Europe blog coming to you from the European Council informal summit in Brussels.
The 27 heads of state and government of the EU will gather for talks this evening.
On the menu: With the EU elections over, leaders will discuss how to divide up the bloc’s top jobs – specifically the roles of European Commission President, European Council President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Stay tuned and send your comments and advice to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.
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