EU special summit in Brussels
The heads of state and government could not reach agreement on filling the top jobs in the European Union at their special summit in Brussels. They will now continue their discussions on Tuesday morning. "It is complicated, but I hope that it is feasible with the good will of all participants," said Chancellor Angela Merkel after the talks.
Nous voulons trouver une solution avant mercredi, déclare Angela Merkel pendant une conférence de presse après les discussions
Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler
Many different points of view need to be reconciled, according to the Chancellor. "Of course, we want to achieve the highest possible degree of consensus." We also want that those who are contesting the top positions will continue to play an important role in the future. At the same time, the proposal of the European Council must achieve a majority in parliament. "Reconciling the different points of view - that takes a while."
The heads of state and government want to find a solution, before the election of the President of the European Parliament on Wednesday.
Avoiding conflict between the Council and the European Parliament
The heads of state and government came together in Brussels, in order to make their proposal to parliament for the election of the President of the European Commission. Other key posts to be filled include that of European Parliament President, European Council President and President of the European Central Bank. In addition, the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy must be appointed. All posts must be filled before the end of the year.
Chancellor Merkel considers it "very important to avoid a conflict between the Council and the European Parliament". She emphasised this on Sunday evening before the start of the talks.
At the European Council meeting on 21 June there was no majority regarding the election of a successor for EU Commission President Juncker. EU Council President Donald Tusk therefore invited the heads of state and government to the special summit on 30 June 2019. In the meantime, he continued his consultations - also with the European Parliament.