Thread by @BenCrumNL

Since you asked @aidanosullivan @paulwujek
Here is my take on why the European Parliament lost the #Spitzenkandidaten-process [or why did @vonderleyen become Commission President instead of EPP lead candidate @ManfredWeber?]
+ what to make of it
Thread 1/6

https://twitter.com/aidanosullivan/status/1220081337962520576

Lisbon treaty 17.7 defines election of the Com Pres as ‘ping-pong game’ between EP and Eur Council:
1) EP elections indicate political direction
2) Eur Council nominates candidate on that basis
3) EP elects
In line with 2 channels of EU democracy: EP and member states (Art.10.2)

With Spitzenkandidaten, EP tried to force the Eur Council’s hand & exclusively claim process
This worked in 2014 with Spitz Juncker:
a EU party-groups were taken by surprise
b Juncker was credible candidate
c Soc-Dems/Schulz were willing to concede
d Eur Council was divided

3/6

Spitzen did not work in 2019:
a EU party-groups were prepared and vetted nominations
b EPP candidate (Weber) was Brxls insider without gov experience
c Soc-Dem’s eyed top-job and reluctant to support Weber
d Strong resistance in Eur Council; Macron suggesting alternative

Lessons:
1 Eur. Council will ‘share’ powers with EP (like legislation or Com appointment) but not ‘transfer’ them
2 Eur Council will not allow Spitzen to be revived -> Joint involvement of EP and Eur Council prevents limiting slate of candidates for Com Pres ahead of EP elections

Hence Com Pres election needs alternative solution (#CoFoE)
Possible elements:
- EP can take lead with resolution interpreting outcome EP elections
- Have joint search committee of Eur Council and EP
OR
Treaty change: reverse procedure order: EP nominates, Eur Council elects
end