Simon Harris, the Irish Premier, is yet to confirm that his Coalition partners will endorse Ursula von der Leyen, the German politician, for another term as the head of the European Commission. As the most serious contender, her candidacy will be deliberated at the European Council’s informal gathering in Brussels; the first one since the latest European elections took place.
Mr Harris expects that the process of appointing top positions within the EU will commence during Monday’s meeting and is hopeful for a swift approval. In his perspective, the current moment doesn’t favour instability or an operational gap at the European scale.
Dr von der Leyen was the central nominee of the European People’s Party (EPP), which won the parliament elections and enjoys an association with Mr Harris’s Fine Gael. Ahead of the informal discussion on Monday, although no formal decisions were anticipated, Mr Harris was content to let the procedure develop naturally.
Between the present time and the following formal council assembly at the end of the month, Mr Harris mentioned there will be additional opportunity to consult with coalition coworkers.
Backlash against Dr von der Leyen emerged in Ireland following her visit to Israel where she openly backed its administration in the immediate follow-up of Gaza’s October 7th attack. Consequently, numerous Irish MEPs, including representatives from the coalition party Fianna Fáil, have declared they will withhold their vote for her if she’s up for nomination to lead the commission.
Before an evening informal supper on Monday, Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, reportedly attempted to propose alternate candidates for replacing the incumbent German president. Reports citing his approach to Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the committee job were dispelled as “bogus news and allegations”.
In anticipation for the dinner that Dr von der Leyen was rumoured to be excluded from, the EPP’s EU based 13 leaders, inclusive of Mr Harris, decided to gather ahead of time to formulate their strategy. Other potential sites for the key role include Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s liberal prime minister as chief of EU foreign policy, and António Costa, former Portuguese prime minister and Social Democrat, considering presidency of the European Council. Roberta Metsola from the EPP is also anticipated to make a reappearance.
During a global summit in Switzerland, the possibility of Dr von der Leyen serving a second term was hinted at by Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. Reflecting Mr Harris’s sentiment, Scholz stated that they anticipate resolving all pertinent issues swiftly and collectively. But drawings from both the French President Emmanuel Macron and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, about their favoured candidate remained unclear and unexpressed.
Ireland’s Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, counter-argued that the assessment of Dr von der Leyen must be comprehensive and based on her track record as she spoke out in support of her EPP Fellows. When discussing her stance on the Gaza issue, McGuinness vociferously declared that she has consistently reflected Irish sentiments in the commission. Commending Dr von der Leyen, McGuinness stated how she has showcased strength in providing humanitarian aid and is in coordination with others in efforts to establish a ceasefire, ensuring lasting peace and a two-state solution.
Regarding doubts around Dr von der Leyen’s credentials, McGuinness expressed confidence in their genuineness. She further emphasised that concerns around Dr von der Leyen sighting an alternative option for her as Commission’s president are significant. McGuinness pointed out that Dr von der Leyen’s reputation is well-known and she has enjoyed substantial support in Ireland up until the disturbing events in Gaza, an issue of deep concern for the Irish. She maintained, however, that the overall performance and credentials of Dr. von der Leyen should be the bases for her assessment.