David Cameron’s efforts to block Jean-Claude Juncker from becoming the next president of the European Commission have failed.
The president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, confirmed that EU leaders have chosen to nomiate Juncker despite opposition from the UK prime minister.
Decision made. The European Council proposes Jean-Claude Juncker as the next President of the European Commission #EUCO
— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) June 27, 2014
Subscribe to the New Statesman this summer - 2 months for only £2
A vote was held among EU leaders, which was won 26 to 2 by supports of Juncker’s nomination. As predicted, the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban was the only other council member to join Cameron in voting against.
David Cameron has said on Twitter that he will always “stand up for UK interests”:
I’ve told EU leaders they could live to regret the new process for choosing the Commission President. I’ll always stand up for UK interests.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 27, 2014
According to the Guardian, Cameron termed the process a “backroom deal” to appoint Juncker, who was being “railroaded” through against the wishes of Britain and Hungary.
Content from our partners
Related
Join the debate
Subscribe here to comment