European leaders welcome new council president, candidates for EU institutions

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – European leaders welcomed the election of a new president of the European Council.

Outgoing EU Council President Charles Michel announced earlier that former Portuguese premier Antonio Costa has been elected to replace him.

He also announced Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for a second five-year term as president of the European Commission and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ candidacy to replace Josep Borrell as foreign policy chief.

Kallas expressed her gratitude on X for her nomination, saying: “We must continue working together to ensure Europe is an effective global partner to keep our citizens free, safe and prosperous.”

“Congratulations to @vonderleyen, @kajakallas and @antoniocostapm! An important signal. With them we can make good and quick progress,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said “a great challenge awaits” the trio and wrote: “Wishing you strength and courage in these testing times for the EU.”

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson praised Kallas for “an impeccable track record,” stressing that she would “bring solid experience within several areas, not least the EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine.”

Kallas and von der Leyen are awaiting approval from the European Parliament to take office.