EU Leaders Nominate Ursula von der Leyen for Second Term

[Social Media]

 

In a significant political development, European Union leaders have decided to nominate Ursula von der Leyen for a second five-year term as the head of the European Commission. This decision was reached at a high-stakes summit in Brussels, reinforcing von der Leyen’s leadership and signaling a continuity of the pro-EU centrist agenda. Alongside her, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been chosen as the next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa is set to assume the role of chairman of EU summits.

 

Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination comes from a strong base of support within Germany’s centre-right faction. Following the vote, she expressed her profound gratitude to the EU leaders who backed her for a second mandate. She stated, “I would plain and simply like to express my gratitude to the leaders who endorsed my nomination for a second mandate as president of the European Commission.” Her leadership over the past term has been marked by efforts to strengthen the European Union’s internal cohesion and its global standing.

 

Kaja Kallas, who will take on the role of foreign affairs chief, is a prominent liberal figure and has been instrumental in shaping Estonia’s progressive policies. After her nomination, Kallas conveyed her honor and the weight of the responsibility she feels stepping into this significant role. She said, “My aim is definitely to work for European unity, protect European interests.” Her approach is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the EU’s foreign policy, emphasizing unity and the protection of European interests on the global stage.

 

António Costa, who will become the new chairman of EU summits, has a strong background as the former Prime Minister of Portugal and a leading socialist. He praised both Kallas and von der Leyen, expressing confidence in their collaboration. “I’m sure our collaboration will be very successful to serve Europe and European citizens,” Costa said. Reflecting on the current challenges Europe faces, he emphasized the importance of unity among the member states. “The European Union has demonstrated its resilience in the past, always finding strengths in the unity, and building unity between member states will be my main priority when I take up my position in December focused on putting on track the strategic agenda which European Council has approved today.”

 

Despite the broad support for these nominations, there was notable resistance from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As the leader of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, Meloni abstained from voting for von der Leyen and cast her votes against Costa and Kallas. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the selection process, arguing that the recent European Parliament elections, which saw significant gains for hard-right parties like her own, were being disregarded. Addressing the Italian parliament, Meloni criticized what she described as an oligarchic tendency within the EU leadership. She stated, “European voters had asked the EU to take a different path to the one it has traveled on so far,” emphasizing that the EU needs to listen more closely to its citizens. Meloni went further to critique those who, in her view, believe that citizens are not mature enough to make certain decisions and argued that “oligarchy is essentially the only acceptable form of democracy.”

 

The nominations of Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas will now go before the European Parliament for a vote. This next step could present challenges given the current political dynamics and the divisions within the Parliament. However, von der Leyen remains focused on fostering unity and steering the bloc through its many challenges. With her steady leadership, Kallas’s innovative approach, and Costa’s strategic vision, the EU aims to maintain its resilience and cohesion amid global and regional pressures.

 

The nomination of these leaders marks a decisive moment for the European Union, as it strives to navigate internal divisions and external threats. Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership has been characterized by a strong commitment to European integration and unity. Her second term, if approved, is likely to continue along this path, with an emphasis on addressing key issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical challenges.

 

Kaja Kallas, known for her progressive policies and strong advocacy for digital innovation, is expected to bring a dynamic approach to the EU’s foreign policy. Her focus on European unity and the protection of European interests will be crucial as the EU faces complex international relations and security issues.

 

António Costa’s experience as a former Prime Minister and his deep understanding of European politics will be invaluable in his new role as the chairman of EU summits. His emphasis on unity and strategic planning will be essential in guiding the EU through its upcoming challenges.

 

In conclusion, the nominations of Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas, and António Costa represent a commitment to centrist, pro-EU policies and a vision of unity and resilience for the European Union. As these leaders prepare to assume their new roles, the EU stands at a critical juncture, ready to tackle the challenges of the future with renewed determination and a clear strategic vision.

 

 

Credit: BBC 2024-06-29

 

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[Thingamabob]

God help us...

[newbee2022]

3 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

God help us...

I lost my faith. She's a nuisance indeed. Standstill for EU unfortunately.👎

[herfiehandbag]

Presumably all three posts, so critical to the governance of the EU will be subject to the confirmation of the EU electorate?

 

I am a silly billy sometimes!

[tubber]

Great to see Democracy in action.

[RayC]

8 hours ago, herfiehandbag said:

Presumably all three posts, so critical to the governance of the EU will be subject to the confirmation of the EU electorate?

 

I am a silly billy sometimes!

 

They are subject to confirmation by the European Parliament, whose membership is directly elected by the EU member states' electorate.

 

The UK employs a different system to appoint its' senior civil servants (Permanent Secretary): It is solely the responsibility of the PM.

[JonnyF]

Direct Democracy.

 

EU style.

 

Thank God we left.

[NativeBob]

7 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Direct Democracy.

EU style.

Thank God we left.

gynecologist Queen of Europe.

[candide]

11 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Direct Democracy.

 

EU style.

 

Thank God we left.

The EU is not a federal state...

[JonnyF]

16 minutes ago, candide said:

The EU is not a federal state...

 

Great observation.  No flies on you.

 

Hopefully it never will be. The tide is turning across Europe. The right is rising.

[candide]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Great observation.  No flies on you.

 

Hopefully it never will be. The tide is turning across Europe. The right is rising.

I find it funny that Brexiteers, who are claiming they left the EU because it's allegedly becoming a federal State (among other reasons), are also complaining that the EU political system is not like a Federal State system (I.e. with an elected President of Europe).

Edited June 29 by candide