LIVEBLOG: Von der Leyen vede Costa e Kallas, ‘grande squadra’

Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, and Kaja Kallas met for the first time after the European Council approved the three top EU jobs. Von der Leyen announced the meeting in a tweet, expressing excitement about the potential of the trio to form a great team. “Touch down for Antonio Costa in Brussels and first touch base with Kaja Kallas. I know the three of us can make a great team. Looking forward to presenting for confirmation in the Euro chamber,” von der Leyen stated.

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Agenzia ANSA

Possible Majorities for Ursula in the Euro chamber – More News – Ansa.it
The necessary threshold to pass the exam is 361, a number that does not decrease based on voters, effectively making abstention a no vote. (ANSA)

The EU Council decided today to include six individuals and three entities in the sanctions list responsible for funding Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) or enabling their violent actions. This brings the total number of individuals and entities sanctioned under restrictive measures against Hamas and PIJ to 12 individuals and three entities.

Hungary reiterates its opposition to the “shameful pact” on top EU jobs, finalized at the EU leaders’ summit, emphasizing its “active engagement” on the international scene despite criticisms painting the country as “isolated” in international politics.

According to Balázs Orbán, political director of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in a tweet, “We do not support the shameful pact between socialists, liberals, and populists in Brussels.” Orbán adds, “We will be part of a sovereigntist and patriotic coalition in Europe demanding change, believing that the EU needs a new direction instead of the failed policies of recent years.”

The Hungarian government spokesperson, Zoltan Kovacs, recalls recent “meetings with key EU leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Olaf Scholz, and the future NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.” Kovacs emphasizes Hungary’s active engagement on the international scene, despite critics often portraying Hungary as isolated in international politics. Referring to the meeting between Orban and Meloni, Kovacs highlights their shared views on “promoting a competitive European economy” and “ensuring that the green transition collaborates with the European industry rather than opposing it.” Kovacs mentions Meloni’s strong support for Hungary’s priorities during its EU presidency, focusing on addressing demographic decline, improving competitiveness, and strengthening European defense.

“There has been a clear distinction between party relations and country relations, so there has been no isolation of Italy if we want to make an objective analysis. Regarding political choices, I also did not agree with the method, and correctly, the Prime Minister took into account our position when announcing the abstention on Ursula von der Leyen,” stated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking to reporters at the Farnesina.