Italian Prime Minister’s actions disrupt EU’s traditional cooperation

EU leaders are set to convene in Brussels to determine the next leaders of the European Union for the next five years. Despite the ostensible nature of the discussions, an agreement has already been reached among heads of six countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Greece, and the Netherlands, on four names for top EU positions.

The agreed-upon names include Ursula von der Leyen for Commission President, Antonio Costa for President of the European Council, Kaja Kallas for foreign and security policy representative, and Roberta Metsola for another term as President of the European Parliament. This agreement reflects the traditional cooperation between centrist, center-right, center-left, and liberal groups within the EU.

Although election results and considerations such as political balance and gender are typically taken into account in selecting EU leaders, the far-right ECR group has been excluded from the process. This exclusion has caused backlash from the group’s leader, Giorgia Meloni of Italy, who is seeking a substantive economic portfolio for Italy and recognition for the ECR group in the selections.

The top leadership appointments have been tentatively agreed upon within the traditional majority that supports the EU project. However, the rise of far-right and EU-critical groups in the elections complicates decision-making, especially as national elections in member countries signal shifts in political landscapes. The challenges facing the incoming EU leadership will require skillful navigation to unite member states and address diverse interests within the Union.