The agreement secures Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as President of the European Commission for a second term, marking a continuation of her leadership at the EU’s executive arm.

Discussions also resolved the presidency of the European Council, with former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, a social democrat, slated to assume the role for an initial two-and-a-half-year term, extendable by another two and a half years.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, a liberal, is expected to take up the position of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Leaders from EU member states and governments will formally endorse these appointments during their summit scheduled over Thursday and Friday.

Donald Tusk, representing the EPP alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, played a crucial role in the negotiations among the three main European political blocs, aiming to secure a majority in the upcoming European Parliament sessions.

On June 17, leaders failed to reach an agreement at an unofficial summit in Brussels. The dispute was not about the candidates themselves but rather about the duration of their mandates.

A key point of contention was whether Antonio Costa, representing the social democrats, should be guaranteed a second term. EPP leaders were cautious about endorsing this proposal, opting instead for a shorter-term agreement.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Costa is expected to assume the presidency of the European Council for an initial two-and-a-half-year term, with provisions for extension pending a review at the end of the term currently held by Charles Michel.

The agreement, brokered by heads of state and government on behalf of their respective political groups in the European Parliament, awaits further response from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Her party, part of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), recently surpassed liberals in terms of MEP representation.

Meloni, though not directly involved in the negotiations, is reportedly seeking assurances from von der Leyen regarding her potential support. Speculation suggests she may negotiate for a vice-presidency position within the European Commission for an Italian representative.