Leaders of European Union (EU) countries on Monday failed to reach a final agreement on candidates for the bloc's top jobs despite lengthy talks at an informal summit in Brussels, Belgium.
An appointment plan for EU's top positions which was floated by all parties before the informal dinner, showed Ursula von der Leyen for a second term of the European Commission president, Portugal's former primer minister Antonio Costa as the president of the European Council, current European Parliament President Roberta Metsola retaining her job, and Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
According to the European edition of Politico, leaders of the 27 member states of the EU had a discussion in a room without phones or advisers.
Though there was a high hope for a consensus, they ultimately ended the summit without an agreement, according to two EU diplomats, which was confirmed by President of the European Council Charles Michel.
"There is no agreement tonight at this stage," Michel told the media after the informal dinner summit, but did not disclose reasons.
A senior Hungarian official said at the break that Hungary will not support von der Leyen for a second term as president of the European Commission, according to a media report.
The official said that von der Leyen does not have good relations with Hungary, so it will be difficult for Hungary to support her re-election.
In addition, the European Union is also divided on the role of Estonian Prime Minister Kallas as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy.
Kallas is seen as focusing too much on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and neglecting the rest of the world. But she said recently she would focus on other issues, not just Russia and Ukraine, which has won her some support.
The European Council will formally nominate candidates for EU leadership at the EU Summit to be held from June 27 to 28, but it is still unclear what measures the EU will take to select the next leadership.
Leaders of EU countries fail to reach consensus on next leadership appointments
Receptions were held both in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR recently to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year which falls on Jan 29.
The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR hosted the 2025 Chinese New Year Reception on Friday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Zheng Yanxiong, director of the office, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee, and guests from various sectors in Hong Kong attended the reception.
Speaking at the reception, Zheng emphasized that with the strong support of the central government and the full backing of the nation, the Hong Kong will definitely tide over the challenges to achieve even greater success in the new era.
Lee noted that President Xi Jinping's important speech at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland outlined the direction for Hong Kong's future development and giving full play to the institutional advantages of the "one country, two systems". In the new year, the SAR government will continue to unite the society and promote the transformation and upgrading in all sectors, Lee said.
A reception was also held by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Thursday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Over 1,200 guests attended the reception, including Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, and Zheng Xincong, director of the liaison office.
Emphasizing the central government's support to Macao, Zheng urged the SAR to better leverage the advantages of the "one country, two systems" policy, further promote the integrated development between Macao and Hengqin, and better play its role as a bridge in creating a new development dynamic.
"In the new year, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region will continue to earnestly fulfill its responsibilities and fully support the chief executive and the SAR government in assuming the role of leader, fulfilling their duties as first person responsible and uniting all sectors of the Macao society and the vast majority of Macao people to break new ground in the high-quality development under the 'one country, two systems', and make greater contribution to building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation," said Zheng.
In his speech, Sam reaffirmed the SAR government's commitment to the "one country, two systems" policy and the better integration into the overall national development.
"Building on the achievements and experiences of the previous SAR governments, we will collaborate will all sectors of the society to preserve and foster innovation, and forge ahead to realize the promising vision of a law-based, vibrant, culturally rich, and happy Macao. We will continue to break new ground in the high-quality development under the 'one country, two systems', and make greater contribution to building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization," said Sam.
Receptions held in HK, Macao SARs to welcome Chinese New Year