The relatively unknown Schmit is the only candidate to become the center-left figurehead during the campaign for the European elections from June 6 to 9. The party leadership will formally approve his candidacy next week. The intention is that the 70-year-old Luxembourger will be officially elected as a candidate at a conference in Rome on March 2.
A few days later, on March 7, the Christian Democratic and conservative European People’s Party (EPP) chooses its top candidate at a conference in Bucharest. Although she has not yet publicly confirmed this, most observers expect current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to seek a second mandate.
It is up to the heads of state or government of the 27 Member States to nominate a candidate for the Commission presidency. They must take the result of the European elections into account. Their candidate must then get the green light in the European Parliament.
According to current polls, the EPP would once again form the largest group in the European Parliament after the elections, putting the party in pole position to once again claim leadership of the European Union’s executive board.
LOOK. Michel responds to retirement as European president