EU leaders meet to decide top jobs in Brussels, von der Leyen poised for second term

NEWS WIRES

17 June 2024 at 2:34 am·1-min read

EU leaders gather Monday in Brussels to thrash out over dinner how to distribute the bloc's top jobs, with Ursula von der Leyen seemingly on track for a second term heading the European Commission.

Far-right gains in EU-wide elections, which triggered snap polls and political upheaval in France, appear to have focused minds around the positions at the bloc's helm -- negotiated among its members with an eye to geographic and political balance.

While leaders were expected to formally make their choices known at a June 27-28 summit, a consensus already appears to be emerging.

"I believe things can move forward efficiently. At least that is my wish, and that will be my frame of mind on Monday," French President Emmanuel Macron said at the end of the G7 summit in Italy, where he held talks with both German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and von der Leyen.

Scholz sent a similar message, telling ARD television that "a political majority is coming together" and that "things could be decided fast."

Monday's meeting kicks off at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) in von der Leyen's presence -- but the commission chief will leave before dinner, when leaders are to tackle the matter of top jobs.

(AFP)

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