The race for European leadership

This is also the first meeting since the European Union (EU) completed parliamentary elections across the bloc, which saw the centre-right and far-right increase their influence on the continent.

A total of 27 EU member states held discussions to elect the positions of President of the European Parliament, President of the European Council and President of the European Commission (EC). As expected, the leaders were supposed to nominate Ursula von der Leyen of Germany to continue as President of the EC for a second term; former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa for the position of President of the European Council and Roberta Metsola (Malta) wanted to continue as President of the European Parliament. In addition, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is in the race to become the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

However, the current President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said they needed more time because political parties across Europe had put forward proposals and needed to continue negotiations to reach a consensus. Mr. Michel did not mention what those proposals were. President Michel said the leaders would return to Brussels for a summit on June 27-28. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, French President Emmanuel Macron hopes the parties will reach an agreement next week.

Ms. von der Leyen remains the strongest candidate for the position of President of the European Commission. Previously, France considered nominating a replacement for Ms. von der Leyen. However, after President Macron unexpectedly dissolved parliament and announced early elections on June 30, the Paris government now wants to maintain stability in the EU. For its part, Germany has voiced its support for Ms. von der Leyen, a former defense minister, for a second term.