While part French, she is not seen as a “Paris person,” one diplomat said.įor a time, the EU’s eastern wing was behind another experienced ambassador, Matti Maasikas, as their candidate. Over at the European Council, Michel is already considered tight with Macron, and some countries were wary of the Council of the EU moving closer to Paris.Įnter Blanchet. Separately, many eastern members were concerned about another close Macron ally securing such a senior role. French President Emmanuel Macron personally pushed for Léglise-Costa, but some diplomats did not think French officials were unanimously behind him. Numerous western countries, and some others, initially backed the French ambassador to the EU, Philippe Léglise-Costa, as their preferred candidate.
Additionally, the Council of the EU is one of the main EU institutions helping negotiate and adopt legislation.įor months, countries have been trying to bridge the divides preventing a secretary-general from being named. The secretary-general not only sits in on the European Council meetings of EU leaders but has a role in drafting the leaders’ decisions, giving her sway in every key dossier. The Council of the EU’s secretary-general position is one of the most influential in Brussels. Michel formally presented her as a candidate on Friday during the summit, and leaders later signed off on the choice, according to three officials. Blanchet’s name came as a surprise to many, as she had not been in the discussion for the job prior to this week.
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