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Von der Leyen is renominated to hold the top EU position

Von der Leyen is renominated to hold the top EU position


At a conference in Brussels, EU leaders nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, for a second, five-year term as the organization's chief executive.


The EU has selected Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, to lead international affairs, and António Costa, the prime minister of Portugal, to lead summit meetings.


The three contenders come from pro-EU, centrist groups.


Next month, the nominees are scheduled for a vote by the European Parliament.


Despite Meloni's dissatisfaction, EU leaders will agree on top appointments.

Kaja Kallas leans liberal, António Costa is a socialist, and Ursula von der Leyen is from Germany's center-right party.


Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister, has voiced opposition.


She said before to the gathering that the plans disregarded the victories hard-right parties, including her own, had just had in the European Parliament elections.


Voting against Mr. Costa and Ms. Kallas, Ms. Meloni did not cast a vote in support of Ms. von der Leyen.


Getting the European Parliament's approval could be a more difficult task.


"I would plain and simplest like to express my gratitude to the leaders whose endorsed my nomination for second mandate to serve as president of the European Commission," she said after the voting.


Kaja Kallas called the position a "enormous responsibility" and expressed her gratitude for the Council's support, saying she felt "really honored."


"My aim is undoubtedly to work for European unity, protect European interests."

Ms. Kallas and Ms. von der Leyen received appreciation from António Costa, who said, "I'm sure our collaboration will be very successful to serve Europe and European citizens."

Charles Michel, the outgoing prime minister of Belgium, will be replaced by Mr. Costa, who announced his resignation last year. Ms. Kallas will succeed Josep Borrell of Spain.

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