Leaders of the European Union decided on Thursday to keep Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission for another five years. Alongside her, Antonio Costa from Portugal was chosen as the new president of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas from Estonia will serve as the EU's top diplomat.
After the decision was made at a summit in Brussels, outgoing EU Council President Charles Michel said, "Mission Accomplished," expressing satisfaction. Von der Leyen and Kallas joined him at a news conference, while Costa participated via video.
Von der Leyen thanked everyone and said she was honored to continue her work. Kallas, who will handle the EU's foreign and security policies, emphasized her goal of promoting unity amid challenges like the war in Ukraine.
Now, European lawmakers must approve von der Leyen and Kallas. Costa's appointment only needed the leaders' approval and will begin in the fall.
The decision was expected to go smoothly after centrist political groups in the European Parliament agreed earlier. However, far-right politicians criticized the process, feeling excluded from discussions.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposed Costa and Kallas and abstained from voting on von der Leyen. She expressed concern about how the appointments were decided without broader consultation.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also criticized the agreement, but it was already set to pass with the necessary majority.
In recent European Parliament elections, right-leaning parties gained ground, affecting the political landscape. Despite this, the mainstream parties maintained control, securing key positions.
Costa, known for his negotiation skills, will navigate discussions among EU leaders. Von der Leyen's role as commission president remains crucial in shaping EU policies on issues like migration and the environment.
Critics argue von der Leyen may scale back ambitious EU plans, given opposition from the far right.
