Remarks by President Donald Tusk at the press conference of the informal dinner of EU heads of state or government

28 May 2019

EU leaders met to assess the outcome of the European elections and to discuss what these results mean for the EU, as well as for nominating the new heads of the European institutions.

[...]For me, and I say this also based on the leaders' discussion, these results are a good omen for the EU and for our future as Europeans. The vast majority voted for a more effective, stronger and united EU, while rejecting those who want a weak Europe. This is a powerful sign. Europe is the winner in these elections. In fact, as people have become more pro-European, some major Eurosceptic parties have abandoned their anti-EU slogans and presented themselves as EU-reformers. This is a positive development. I have no doubt that one of the reasons why people on the continent voted for a pro-European majority is also Brexit. As Europeans see what Brexit means in practice, they also draw conclusions. Brexit has been a vaccine against anti-EU propaganda and fake news.

Now, on the appointments and the lead candidates. Today's discussion confirmed the agreement reached by the leaders in February last year, that the European Council will exercise its role when electing the Commission president, meaning – in accordance with the Treaties – that there can be no automaticity. At the same time, no-one can be excluded: being a lead candidate is not a disqualification, on the contrary, it may increase their chances. The Treaty is clear: the European Council should propose, and the European Parliament should elect. Therefore, the future President of the Commission must have the support of both a qualified majority in the European Council and a majority of the Members of the European Parliament. [...]

Full remarks

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