MNI: Meloni To Back Von Der Leyen In EU Commission Deal-Source

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has agreed to support Ursula von der Leyen’s bid for a second term as European Commission president in return for a high-ranking job for Italy in the new Commission, a source close to the Italian government told MNI.

Under the deal, Meloni has dropped her previous preference for delaying an agreement until after French legislative elections, opening the way for the makeup of the new Commission to be decided at the EU leaders’ summit on Friday. (See MNI: Meloni Seeks To Delay Deal On Top EU Jobs Until French Vote-Officials)

Italy’s Europe Minister Raffaele Fitto appears to be the main contender to take the country’s top Commission job, with possible posts including Budget or one of the vice presidencies, the source said.

The agreement would mean Meloni maintains her good relations with the Commission, though it would come without the backing of the broader European Conservatives and Reformists group which includes her Brothers of Italy party in the European parliament.