After three days of arduous negotiations, European Union leaders broke a deadlock and nominated German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen to become the new president of the bloc's powerful executive arm
Already plagued by crises like Brexit and deep divisions among nations over how best to manage migration, the leaders had been keen to show that they could take quick decisions and that the European project remains important to its citizens.
But they struggled to establish a delicate balance between population size and geography — an even mix of countries from the north and south, east and west, and ensure that at least two women were nominated. Tusk he said he hoped that someone from a central or eastern European member state would be voted in as president of the European Parliament.
Despite deep tensions, some tantrums by leaders behind the scenes and even public criticism of his handling of the summit, Tusk said: "Five years ago we needed three months to decide, and still some leaders were against. This year it was three days and nobody was against.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The EU is struggling to agree on candidates for its biggest jobsA night of negotiations in Brussels drags on into the morning
Read more »
EU leaders close in on top jobs deal after longest-ever talksEuropean Union leaders are still locked in after an all-night negotiation over the bloc’s top jobs. More here:
Read more »
Italy's Conte says deal on EU jobs still looks difficultItaly's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Monday it was difficult to sa...
Read more »
Working the night shift, EU leaders try to fill top jobsEuropean Union leaders went into an 18th consecutive hour of negotiations on Mon...
Read more »
French President Macron slams EU summit failure, hopes for deal on TuesdayFrench President Emmanuel Macron on Monday severely criticized the failure of an...
Read more »
Swiss-EU relations risk downward spiral as bourse row flaresA skirmish over stock market access between Switzerland and the European Union r...
Read more »