Brussels, 19/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has recalled the prerogatives of the European leaders as regards appointing the person who will be president of the European Commission from November 2014.
“I will consult the Parliament - first the president and then the group leaders over the month of June, and try to find a solution that is as balanced as possible and that will reduce the chances of a clash between the institutions”, Van Rompuy stated on Belgian television channel VRT on Sunday 18 May.
The main European political parties are determined that their leading candidates, who are currently conducting the campaign ahead of the European elections on 22-25 May, be appointed as president of the Commission should their party win. While the governments “might dare to appoint someone else, he or she would not obtain a majority within the European Parliament”, warned Martin Schulz, the Socialist candidate and outgoing president of the European Parliament, during an election debate last week (see EUROPE 11081).
The future president of the European Commission must garner a majority within the European Council and European Parliament. The heads of state and government are meeting over an informal dinner on Tuesday 27 May at which they will take stock of the European elections and the elections in Ukraine. (MB)