European Union leaders are close to agreeing to name Dutchman Frans Timmermans (pictured) the next president of the European Commission, several media outlets reported on Monday citing diplomats. Timmermans currently serves as the Commission vice-president, a position which could be taken by Margrethe Vestager.
Meanwhile, World Bank Chief Executive Kristalina Georgieva is expected to be picked to succeed Donald Tusk as European Council president and European People’s Party's President Manfred Weber is set to become the European Parliament president. According to the report, Belgian prime minister Charles Michel is considered for the position of EU's next high representative for foreign affairs.
The officials have been deliberating on the matter for over 18 hours and are said to be finalizing the details. Earlier, media reported that several member states including Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and Italy were against choosing Timmermans to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as the Commission head.
