Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen will serve a second term as president of the European Commission, former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa will head the European Council, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will be the bloc's new foreign policy chief.
Despite the consensus, not all leaders were unanimous on Thursday. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposed the candidacies of Kallas and Costa and abstained from voting for von der Leyen.
Unofficial sources indicate that Italy may secure a vice-president's post and a significant economic portfolio in the new Commission.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also dissented, voting against von der Leyen and abstaining on Kallas.
"We have chosen the right people," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
He added that the appointments demonstrate Europe's stability and predictability.
Tusk praised von der Leyen's leadership, noting her firm stance on Russia and her support for Ukraine.
He also welcomed Costa's experience and Kallas's understanding of Polish and regional sensitivities.
Von der Leyen, known for her pro-Ukrainian stance, still needs the European Parliament's approval, with a vote tentatively set for July 18.
She needs 361 votes, and while mainstream parties hold about 400 seats, the secret ballot may bring surprises, media have reported.
Von der Leyen is seeking support from the Greens and Italian Conservatives by endorsing a stringent migration policy that includes processing asylum claims outside the EU.
Costa will replace Charles Michel as European Council president starting December 1, with a term of two-and-a-half years, extendable for another two-and-a-half years.
Costa's conciliatory skills and good relationship with von der Leyen are expected to foster cooperation, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
The Portuguese politician emphasized building unity among member states as his top priority.
Kallas, meanwhile, known for her tough stance on Russia, acknowledged initial doubts from southern European countries but assured them of her commitment to addressing Global South issues.
"This is an honor not only for me but also for Estonia," she said.
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Source: IAR
Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski.