The game in Brussels

Von der Leyen, Costa, Kallas: what are the 'Top Jobs' and how they are chosen

After the black smoke at the informal dinner on 17 June, the ball passes to the European Council on 27-28 June

by Angelica Migliorisi

18 June 2024

3' min read

Key points

What are "Top Jobs"
Main roles and their candidates
The nomination process
Criteria for choice and timing

3' min read

All to do again. The choice of the European "Top Jobs" is postponed to 27-28 June, after the deadlock at the informal dinner of the European Council. "We have the right direction but at this moment there is no agreement," commented the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, at the end of the meeting. He added: "It is our duty to conclude by the end of the month. The game is being played on Ursula von der Leyen confirmed at the European Commission, the Portuguese socialist Antonio Costa at the Council, the Estonian liberal Kaja Kallas at the EU foreign ministry. "Now we have to let things marinate," said French President Emmanuel Macron, reassuring that the final agreement is "close". The Dutch premier, Mark Rutte, added that "the names that came out this evening are the same ones that were on the table".

What are the "Top Jobs"

In the European political arena, the term 'Top Jobs' refers to the top positions in the main institutions of the European Union. These roles are crucial for the political and administrative leadership of the EU and include the presidency of the European Commission, the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.

The main roles and their candidates

That of President of the European Commission is the most influential role among the EU institutions. The current number one, Ursula von der Leyen, representative of the European People's Party (EPP), is aiming for a second term. The Commission not only proposes new laws, but is also the supreme executive body of the EU.

The President of the European Council chairs the summits of EU national leaders, playing a key role in setting the bloc's political agenda. The mandate of Charles Michel is about to expire and there are discussions about a possible relay similar to that of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

The High Representative for Foreign Policy leads the Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairs the meetings of foreign and defence ministers. Josep Borrell, the current High Representative, will step down by the end of the year.

The nomination process

Appointments are decided following the European Parliament elections, taking into account the election results to reflect the political balance within the Union. Top jobs are generally distributed among the main political groups to maintain a certain geographical and political balance.

The president of the European Commission, for instance, is traditionally chosen by the party that obtains the most seats in the European Parliament, while other positions, such as the president of the European Council and the High Representative, are negotiated between the majority political groups.

Criteria for selection and timing

The EU leaders must reach a consensus on a list of candidates which then needs the support of a 'qualified majority', i.e. at least 15 of the 27 EU leaders, together representing at least 65% of the population of the 27 member states. The President of the European Commission must also receive a majority of votes in the European Parliament.

The official appointments are expected during the European Council at the end of June. The new Parliament, which will meet for the first time on16 July, will have the task of approving the appointment of the Commission President during the September plenary session.