EU Reshuffles Key Positions Amid Political Shifts and Controversies: von der Leyen Secures Another Term, Kallas Takes Over Diplomacy in the Midst of Conflict in Ukraine, Costa Becomes European Council President”.

The European Union has announced a major reshuffling of prominent positions, with Ursula von der Leyen set to receive a second term as the head of the European Commission. German conservative leader von der Leyen must be confirmed by an absolute majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), but the outcome is uncertain due to shifts in political coalitions following the strong surge of extreme right-wing parties in recent elections.

In other news, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been named as a steadfast opponent of Russia to succeed Spaniard Josep Borrell in representing EU diplomacy in the midst of the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been appointed as the new president of the European Council, succeeding Belgian Charles Michel.

These appointments were widely anticipated and received with approval from European leaders, who finalized agreements ahead of the Brussels summit following alliances between various political groups. However, Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the arrangement, calling it “shameful” and accusing right-wing parties of forming deceptive coalitions with left-wing and liberal groups.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed concerns about what she sees as an “oligarchy” taking over EU decision-making after being excluded from negotiations between political groups. She abstained on von der Leyen’s confirmation and voted against Kallas and Costa’s appointment.

As Europe moves forward with its priorities for the next five years, including security, defense, competitiveness, and immigration policies, these key position reshuffles reflect the changing political landscape following recent elections and alliances.