EU Leaders Nominate von der Leyen, Costa, Kallas

EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as European Commission President, António Costa as President of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. These nominations reflect an agreement among the centrist parties, despite significant gains by right-wing parties in the recent European Parliament elections. The decision has sparked criticism from leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Hungary's Viktor Orbán, who argue that the process ignored the electoral success of conservative factions. Von der Leyen and Kallas still require confirmation by the European Parliament, with a vote expected in July, while Costa's appointment is automatic and does not require parliamentary approval. The strategic agenda and leadership decisions aim to address major challenges including economic welfare, climate policy, and geopolitical tensions.