First Post-Election Gathering: Predicting Ursula von der Leyen’s Victory
EU Leaders Come Together to Elect Next 5-Year Union Leaders
The heads of government and state of the 27 EU member countries gathered at an informal leaders’ summit in Brussels, Belgium, to elect the leaders who will guide the union for the next five years. Following the European Parliament elections held between 6-9 June, EU leaders will seek consensus on the names to be elected to the positions of President of the European Council, President of the European Commission, and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policies. Current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to secure her second term and continue leading since 2019.
Among the contenders for the other two senior positions in the union’s administration are former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa for the Presidency of the European Council and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policies.
The new president of the European Parliament will be elected by the parliament, with current President Roberta Metsola expected to be re-elected to the position.
While the official decisions are expected to be made at the upcoming summit on June 27-28, many leaders have already signaled their support for Von der Leyen’s candidacy. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed confidence in her election, stating, “I am sure that Ursula von der Leyen will be elected.” Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris mentioned, “I have not heard any other name mentioned at this stage,” while Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini nominated Maros Sefcovic for the Presidency of the Commission. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged for swift decisions, emphasizing, “I am sure that we can reach an agreement as soon as possible.” Von der Leyen will require the support of at least 15 out of the 27 EU member states for reelection.
Once leaders determine their official preferences, these choices will need approval from the European Parliament. Additionally, discussions on the union’s agenda for the next five years are anticipated during the summit.
