CNBC

The EU will soon get a new leadership team. Here are the names currently in the mix

As voters across the European Union prepare to elect representatives to the European Parliament between June 6 and 9, discussions are underway to determine who will lead the EU's top institutions in the coming years: the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament. Although these positions are not directly elected, they hold significant influence over central policymaking and affect the lives of 450 million people across the region. Current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to retain her position, although French President Emmanuel Macron may be keeping his options open for other candidates such as former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. If von der Leyen continues as president, a member of the European socialist group is likely to lead the European Council, with potential candidates including former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Kaja Kallas, the Estonian prime minister, may become the EU’s top diplomat. The next five years of EU policymaking are expected to focus on defense, reducing dependencies on China and the U.S., and addressing other key issues.