The high officials of the European Union
The heads of state and government of the European Union have agreed on the division of senior community positions in a meeting held in Brussels. This agreement includes the renewal of the conservative Ursula von der Leyen as head of the European Commission. However, it should be noted that the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has not supported this decision and the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has shown a firm rejection.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the agreement and expressed his satisfaction with the support for Kaja Kallas and António Costa, as well as the defense plans. Instead, the Italian Prime Minister voted against Kallas and Costa, but abstained in the election of Von der Leyen. This was the only vote against Costa as the new president of the Council.
Discussion and agreement
EU leaders have held an intense discussion about the senior positions known as ‘Top Jobs’. After an hour and a half of deliberations, the agreement confirming the renewal of Von der Leyen as head of the European Commission has been announced. This agreement is subject to the approval of the European Parliament, which is expected to take place on July 18.
In addition, the agreement establishes that António Costa will assume the presidency of the European Council on December 1, succeeding Charles Michel. This mandate will last two and a half years, after which a new decision will be made. The third high position is that of High Representative of the EU’s Foreign Policy, which will continue to be held by Josep Borrell until it passes into the hands of Kaja Kallas.
Reactions and justifications
Several European leaders have expressed their satisfaction with the agreement and have highlighted the importance of maintaining territorial, ideological and gender balance in these positions. On the other hand, Giorgia Meloni has justified her abstention in Von der Leyen’s vote out of respect for the positions within her government majority. He has stated that he considers the pact of the three political families to be a mistake and a lack of respect for European citizens.
In summary, the distribution of senior positions in the European Union has been agreed by the heads of state and government. This agreement includes the renewal of Von der Leyen as head of the European Commission, the assumption of Costa as president of the European Council and the change of holder in the High Representative for Foreign Policy of the EU. Reactions to this agreement have been mixed, with some justifications from leaders who have not supported the decision.