EU leaders reached a late-night deal to nominate Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as head of the European Commission, with Estonia’s Kaja Kallas chosen as foreign policy chief and Antonio Costa named to head the European Council. The nominees, part of the centrist alliance, need the EU parliament’s backing in July to be confirmed. Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for the nomination, while Costa committed to promoting unity and Kallas acknowledged the enormous responsibility amidst geopolitical tensions.
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, on the hard right, voted against some nominees, with Meloni abstaining from von der Leyen’s vote citing respect for citizens’ indications during elections. The quick selection process was praised by German Chancellor Olaf Schol, saying the nominees would prepare Europe well for future challenges.
At the summit, EU leaders signed a security agreement with Ukraine to support its fight against Russia’s invasion, pledging help in areas like arms deliveries, military training, and defence industry cooperation. The EU reiterated its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and resistance against Russian aggression, as Russian soldiers continue to push forward in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the security deal and stressed the importance of the EU fulfilling its promises to protect lives and counter Russian aggression. The agreement underlines the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in the long term and confronting Russia’s destabilizing actions in the region.
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