The Summit starts at 1:30 pm from the EUleaders are expected to define the Union’s main agenda over the next five years.
After all, the agreement on key positions in the institutions should also be concluded today. How did the leaders see concluded in the appointment of three: Von der Leyen to the Commission, Antonio Costa to the European Council (in place of Charles Michel) and Kaya Kalas in place of Borrell.
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Due to the death of his father-in-law, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will not participate in this week’s European Council summit. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will therefore represent Spain’s interests at the meeting.
Heads of government regularly deputize other counterparts to speak on their behalf when they are unable to attend a Council summit. Traditionally, leaders of neighboring countries tend to “meet”.
Spanish leaders have traditionally relied on their Portuguese counterparts, but the recent change of government in Lisbon, where the presence of center-right Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, “pushed” Sánchez to lean towards Soltz.
Brussels: The leaders of the 27 decide the highest positions in the EU.
Security agreement with Ukraine
He will also be present today Ukrainian President Zelensky.
The EU is expected to sign a security deal with Ukraine and leaders also want to highlight recent support initiatives to Ukraine, as the official start of accession negotiations earlier this week. Several EU diplomats said it was unclear how the discussion would develop after that, as European Council President Charles Michel had not yet decided the order of topics.
The leaders will not only discuss the EU’s top jobs and the so-called strategic agenda, setting policy priorities for the next five years, but also a wide range of other issues, including the Middle East, migration and defense financing.
It will also be the last summit of this type for Mark Rutte, who will take over from October the head of NATO.