The race for European leadership

This was also the first meeting since the European Union (EU) completed its parliamentary elections across the bloc, which saw the center-right and far-right gain increasing power on the continent.

Current EC President Ursula von der Leyen is running for a second term.

In total, leaders from the 27 EU member states held discussions to elect the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission (EC). It was expected that leaders would nominate Ursula von der Leyen of Germany for a second term as EC President; former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa for the European Council presidency; and Roberta Metsola of Malta for a second term as President of the European Parliament. In addition, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was running for the EU High Commissioner for Foreign Policy and Security.

However, current European Council President Charles Michel said they needed more time because political parties across Europe were putting forward nominations and negotiations were needed to reach an agreement. Michel did not specify what those proposals were. He said the leaders would return to Brussels for the summit on June 27-28. According to Reuters, French President Emmanuel Macron expects an agreement to be reached next week.

Ms. von der Leyen remains the strongest candidate for the EC presidency. Previously, France considered nominating a replacement for Ms. von der Leyen. However, after President Macron unexpectedly dissolved parliament and announced early elections on June 30th, the Parisian government now wants the EU to maintain stability. For its part, Germany has voiced its support for Ms. von der Leyen, the former Defense Minister, for a second term.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-chay-dua-vao-ghe-lanh-dao-chau-au-185240618230447638.htm