New Beginnings in EU Leadership: The Implications of Political Shifts and Alliances

EU leaders gathered on Thursday to announce the reshuffling of prominent EU positions, including the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as head of the European Commission. The German conservative leader will have to be confirmed by an absolute majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), but the outcome of the vote, expected in mid-July, is uncertain due to shifts in political coalitions following the strong surge of the extreme right in recent elections.

In other appointments, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was named as a steadfast opponent of the Kremlin to succeed Spaniard Josep Borrell as head of EU diplomacy in Ukraine. Meanwhile, former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa was named as president of the European Council, succeeding Belgian Charles Michel. These appointments were well-received and widely anticipated, with agreements finalized ahead of the Brussels summit following alliances between various European leaders.

However, Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the arrangement, calling it “shameful” and accusing the right of forming deceptive coalitions with leftists and liberals. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni abstained on von der Leyen’s appointment and voted against Kallas and Costa. She expressed concerns about an “oligarchy” influencing EU decision-making.

As Europe moves forward with its priorities for security, defense, competitiveness, and immigration policies over the next five years, these appointments reflect a changing political landscape in Europe following recent elections and alliances.