The EU has selected Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, to lead international affairs, and António Costa, the prime minister of Portugal, to lead summit meetings.
The three contenders originate from pro-EU, centrist groups.
The nominations of Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled for voting by the European Parliament.
Kaja Kallas leans liberal, António Costa is a socialist, and Ursula von der Leyen hails from Germany’s center-right party.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, had voiced opposition.
She said before to the gathering that the plans disregarded the victories hard-right parties, including her own, had just had in the European Parliament elections.
Voting against Mr. Costa and Ms. Kallas, Ms. Meloni did not cast a ballot in support of Ms. von der Leyen.
Getting the European Parliament’s approval might be a more difficult task.
Following the voting, Ms. von der Leyen stated, “I would plain and simply like to express my gratitude to the leaders who endorsed my nomination for second mandate as president of the European Commission.”
Kaja Kallas called the position a “enormous responsibility” and expressed her gratitude for the Council’s support, saying she felt “really honored.”
