EU leaders leave summit without agreement on new posts

EU leaders suspended a summit on Monday until the next morning after they failed to agree on their new picks for the bloc’s top jobs despite 20 hours of negotiations.

The deadlock reportedly left French President Emmanuel Macron fuming and for some observers underscored the deep divisions in the bloc’s parliament.

Macron left the venue shortly after the talks were abruptly called off, saying they had been a “failure” although he was still hopeful for a future deal.

“We give an image of a Europe that is not serious,” Macron said. “What lacked around the table was the spirit and determination to defend the general European interest. There were too many hidden agendas. Voilà, that’s it.

“We cannot discuss with world leaders, in an ever more violent world [...] to have emerging liberal democracies and to be a club that meets at 28 without ever deciding anything,” Macron said. “We cannot be hostage to one or another little group that forms. We need a real governmental reform.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was less put off, saying: “I know this is complicated, but with good will it is possible.”

Eastern European countries rejected the plans of the French leader and his allies, including Germany and Spain, to hand the European Commission presidency to Dutch socialist Fran Timmermans.

The post of Commission president was just one of five that need allocating, with the presidency of the European Central Bank being another key position that needed to be filled.

“It’s just unbelievably complicated. You have so many political factions,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

To be appointed, the next Commission president needs the support of at least 72% of the total member states which must also represent the 65% of the population.