In the wake of the European elections
The decisions as to who gets the top jobs and as to the programme of the Commission will also decide Europe’s future The 28 heads of state and government have mandated Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, to hold talks with the European Parliament.
It was the first meeting of the European Council following the elections to the European Parliament
Photo: The European Union
The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, has been requested to consult with the members of the European Parliament and the 28 member states of the EU.
In line with the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon, and following consultations, the European Council must propose a candidate for the position of President of the European Commission to the European Parliament, once a qualified majority of Council members have agreed on this candidate. The European Parliament must then vote on this candidate; again a qualified majority of members of the European Parliament must approve the candidate.
The procedure to elect the President of the European Commission is laid out in Article 17, Paragraph 7 of the Treaty of Lisbon. Following consultations, the European Council proposes a candidate, approved by a qualified majority of the Council, to the European Parliament. The Council will also take into account the results of the elections to the European Parliament. The European Parliament will then elect this candidate with a majority of members of the European Parliament. If the proposed candidate fails to attract the majority of votes, the European Council shall propose a new candidate to the European Parliament within a period of one month: this candidate too must be approved by a qualified majority of the European Council. The same procedure is then adopted by the European Parliament to elect the candidate.
Precision more important than speed
Speaking in Brussels, Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "I believe that precision is more important than speed. What is at stake here is the ability of the Council, the Parliament and the Commission to work effectively over the next five years".
By the next meeting of the European Council on 26 and 27 June, the heads of state and government aim to reach agreement. On 1 July 2014 the newly elected European Parliament will meet for the first time.
Other top jobs too must be filled. Apart from the President of the European Commission, these include in particular the President of the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
European policy reviewed
Angela Merkel and François Hollande share initial views on the European elections
Photo: Bundesregierung/Denzel
The heads of state and government also looked at the future political direction of the European Union. After the meeting, the Chancellor said that the European elections had shown that there is a strong majority that favour a pro-European course.
In some countries, though, we are seeing Eurosceptic trends. "This is why it is important to send a strong signal," said Angela Merkel.
Economic growth, competitiveness and jobs
The heads of state and government also discussed the programme of the European Commission for the next five years. The focus is to be on economic growth, competitiveness and jobs.
The economic and monetary union is to be developed further, with energy policy and climate change, and common foreign and defence policy other priorities.
De-escalation in Ukraine needed
The European Council also discussed the results of the elections in Ukraine. "We welcome the fact that there has been a very decisive victory in Ukraine’s presidential elections," said Angela Merkel.
At the same time the heads of state and government called for further Russian contributions to defuse the situation. The EU will provide economic support for Ukraine.