These are the new leaderships of the European Union and NATO
European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen
Less than a month after elections, the European Union already has a new leadership for the upcoming years. Ursula von der Leyen is poised to return as the European Commission president. She already has secured crucial votes in the European Council. The final step is the endorsement of the European Parliament. Von der Leyen, who became the first female president of the European Commission in 2019, has faced significant events during her tenure, including the energy crisis, climate change, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the joint vaccine purchase initiative, was initially praised but later criticized for lack of transparency. Despite this, she remains the consensus candidate among major political forces such as EPP, S&D, and Renew Europe. Opposition has come mainly from Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.
European Council: Antonio Costa
António Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, will become the new president of the European Council, starting December 1. Costa, who served as Portugal’s prime minister from 2015 to 2024, resigned due to an investigation into investment deals, in which he is currently a witness. He has promised a mandate focused on continuity and the strategic agenda approved by the EUCO.
Known for his open immigration policies, Costa has faced opposition from far-right leaders but is praised as a skilled negotiator. He is well-regarded by Ursula von der Leyen and has been a constructive partner in the European Council.
High Representative of the European Union: Kaja Kallas
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been selected by the European Council as the next High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Her appointment is pending approval from the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee. If confirmed, Kallas will be the first Eastern European to hold this position.
Kallas has been a strong advocate against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, pushing for sanctions and military support. Her appointment follows a challenging period for her political group, Renew Europe, which saw disappointing election results. Opposition to her appointment came from Italy’s Georgia Meloni and an abstention from Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.
NATO Secretary General: Mark Rutte
Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, has been nominated as NATO’s next secretary general, set to start on October 1. Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, resigned last July after a coalition dispute over migration. He secured his appointment despite initial opposition from Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who later lifted his veto following reassurances from Rutte.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Rutte, emphasizing the importance of his leadership for the Alliance during challenging times.
