European Council makes progress on high-level EU appointments

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo took part in the informal meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 17 June, where the EU leaders discussed upcoming appointments to high-level EU roles. The leaders aim to reach a decision on the appointments at the EU summit on 27–28 June.

According to Prime Minister Orpo, the European Council made progress on the appointments but still needs more time to negotiate.

“It is important that we adopt the appointment package quickly so we can ensure the operational capacity and continuity of the EU. The new Commission must be able to start its work as soon as possible. Finland supports a solution that functions effectively and is balanced from a geographical and political standpoint,” said Prime Minister Orpo in Brussels.

The high-level appointments to be decided on include the candidate for the next President of the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the next President of the European Council.

In line with the EU Treaties, the selection must reflect the geographical and demographic diversity of the Union. Attention must also be paid to gender equality. In addition, the election of the President of the Commission must reflect the results of the European Parliament elections.

The term of the present Commission will end on 31 October and the new President of the Commission will assume office on 1 December 2024.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949 and Marko Ruonala, Project Manager (Communications), tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office