By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
EU Leaders Endorse Continuity Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the current head of the European Commission, for a second five year term at a summit in Brussels. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was chosen as the EU's next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa was selected as the next chairman of EU summits. All three nominees are from centrist, pro EU factions.
The European Parliament is set to vote on the nominations of Ms. von der Leyen and Ms. Kallas. Ms. von der Leyen represents Germany’s center right, Mr. Costa is a socialist, and Ms. Kallas is a liberal. This leadership package represents continuity for the EU amidst geopolitical uncertainty, despite a recent surge in support for hard right parties in the European Parliament elections.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has voiced resistance to the nominations. Before the summit, she criticized the plans for ignoring the successes of hard right parties like her own in the recent European Parliament elections. While Ms. Meloni has sought to build a constructive relationship with the EU mainstream, she abstained from voting for Ms. von der Leyen and opposed the nominations of Mr. Costa and Ms. Kallas. Notably, Ms. Meloni and her European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, now the third largest group in the European Parliament, were excluded from nomination talks.
In a passionate address to the Italian parliament, Ms. Meloni criticized those who dismiss the decisions of European voters and called for a different path for the EU. Approval from the European Parliament may be challenging for Ms. von der Leyen, who needs 361 votes to secure a second term. Although support from the center right European People’s Party, liberals, and social democrats theoretically gives her enough backing, the margin is tight. Diplomats suggest Ms. von der Leyen might seek Italy’s support by offering a powerful commission post.
Expressing her gratitude, Ms. von der Leyen said, "I would plain and simply like to express my gratitude to the leaders who endorsed my nomination for a second mandate as president of the European Commission." If approved, one of her primary tasks will be to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, which may be complicated if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election.
Ms. Kallas, known for her strong support of Ukraine and criticism of the Kremlin, has been placed on Moscow’s list of wanted criminals following her government’s removal of Soviet era war monuments. Some critics worry her uncompromising stance could be problematic in her new role as the EU’s top diplomat. Ms. Kallas responded, saying she was "really honored by the support" and described the role as an "enormous responsibility," aiming to work for European unity and protect European interests.
Mr. Costa praised his fellow nominees, stating, "I'm sure our collaboration will be very successful to serve Europe and European citizens." After his nomination, he emphasized the importance of building unity between member states and addressing Europe's strategic agenda. Mr. Costa will replace Belgium's former Prime Minister Charles Michel, while Ms. Kallas will take over from Spain's Josep Borrell.