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EU leaders near deal on top jobs, says Poland's Tusk

18.06.2024 21:30
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that European Union leaders were nearing a deal on appointments to the bloc's top jobs after parliamentary elections earlier this month.
Audio
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Speaking during a visit to Luxembourg, Tusk said that there was every likelihood that Germany's Ursula von der Leyen would stay on for a second term as president of the European Commission, while former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa would take over as president of the European Council.

The Polish leader also told reporters that Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was likely to become the EU's next foreign policy chief.

However, the final decisions on who will take on these key EU roles will be made next week, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

Tusk on Tuesday held talks with Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden on "current political issues in Europe" and ways to strengthen bilateral relations, according to officials.

During the meeting, Poland and Luxembourg confirmed their desire to expand cooperation in business and defense, reporters were told.

Tusk said during a joint press conference with Frieden that he was "pleased that all members share the same values when it comes to helping Ukraine and combating hybrid attacks at the borders."

Frieden said that Luxembourg is grateful for Poland's contribution to the common security of NATO countries.

According to the latest NATO statistics, a record 23 member countries are allocating the recommended 2 percent of GDP to defense.

Poland has been at the top of the list for two years, spending 4.12 percent of its GDP on defense.

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Source: IAR

Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.