Brussels, Belgium - June 17, 2024

Storyline:
Leaders of European Union (EU) countries on Monday failed to reach a final agreement on candidates for the bloc's top jobs despite lengthy talks at an informal summit in Brussels, Belgium.

An appointment plan for EU's top positions which was floated by all parties before the informal dinner, showed Ursula von der Leyen for a second term of the European Commission president, Portugal's former primer minister Antonio Costa as the president of the European Council, current European Parliament President Roberta Metsola retaining her job, and Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

According to the European edition of Politico, leaders of the 27 member states of the EU had a discussion in a room without phones or advisers.

Though there was a high hope for a consensus, they ultimately ended the summit without an agreement, according to two EU diplomats, which was confirmed by President of the European Council Charles Michel.

A senior Hungarian official said at the break that Hungary will not support von der Leyen for a second term as president of the European Commission, according to a media report.

The official said that von der Leyen does not have good relations with Hungary, so it will be difficult for Hungary to support her re-election.

In addition, the European Union is also divided on the role of Estonian Prime Minister Kallas as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy.

Kallas is seen as focusing too much on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and neglecting the rest of the world. But she said recently she would focus on other issues, not just Russia and Ukraine, which has won her some support.

The European Council will formally nominate candidates for EU leadership at the EU Summit to be held from June 27 to 28, but it is still unclear what measures the EU will take to select the next leadership.

Shotlist:
Brussels, Belgium - June 17, 2024:
FILE: Brussels, Belgium - Date Unknown
1. Various of European Union (EU) flags in front of Berlaymont building;
2. Sign showing "Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union";
Brussels, Belgium - June 17, 2024
3. Charles Michel, president of European Council, walking to speak to media;
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Charles Michel, president, European Council:
"There is no agreement today at this stage.";
FILE: Brussels, Belgium - Date Unknown
5. Various of EU sign, building;
6. Various of EU flags, building.

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