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"The group of leaders proposed for the top positions of the European Union, such as [Ursula] Von der Leyen, [Charles] Michel, [Christine] Lagarde and [Josep] Borrell is really balanced, with much experience, and truly committed Europeans,” Barroso wrote in a Twitter post. “I am confident that they will offer real leadership for a stronger EU.”
Two women and two men – three of whom are from EU founding countries (Germany, Belgium and France) – were on Wednesday provisionally appointed by the European Council to occupy the EU’s top institutional positions.
The decision was announced after a marathon bargaining session in Brussels that took three days, with several interruptions, in which the heads of state and government of the 28 EU member states hammered out an agreement.
They appointed Germany’s von der Leyen for president of the commission, Belgium’s Charles Michel for president of the European Council, Spain’s Josep Borrell for EU High Representative for foreign policy and France’s Christine Lagarde for president of the European Central Bank.
The appointments must be approved by the European Parliament to take effect.
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Dark clouds are moving onto the horizon of the EU. Not only will the institution face added opposition, but also countries like Portugal will encounter fierce pressure from the right, with the intention to be expelled from the EU - and rightfully so ! In 2017, Portugal paid to the EU 1,4 Bil € but received 4 Bil. €. Whereas Germany paid to the EU 20 Bi. € but received 10,9 Bil €. By 2019, Portugal has received over 100 Bil. € since they joind the EU. On top of that, Portugal is one of the biggest recipients of Chinese investment in Europe ( quote a report from The Portugal News). For that, Portugal is rightfully challenged by the EU, followed by a sloppy response from the SDS-PP party, quote: ... for the EU to stop interfering in the country's sovereign affairs. This tells me that Portugal feels entitlement of billions on a yearly basis from the EU, and on top of that they want the liberty to decide whatever they want ? Something is not right here ! Portugal's politicians declared Portugal "On Sale", and among other non-EU nations, the Chinese take full advantage. A new Huwei G5 network has been ordered, without any hesitation considering worldwide data protection concerns, and many more of those deals - as long the money is coming in. For Portugal, the EU or the Chinese are the same thing - as long the money is coming in. Germans are tired to support a country with that attitude. The EU will have to forego a fundamental change in order to be at least relevant for the future, and countries like Portugal will have to leave the EU altogether. What good has Portugal done for the European Union ? Sunshine and good food is just not enough. Walter Peitz
By Walter Peitz from Lisbon on 03 Jul 2019, 23:50