“Of course it’s Costa,” said one EU diplomat, referring to the most likely pick for Council presidency. “The Germans back him, the French back him, everyone likes him. There is also no alternative. He’s definitely still the frontrunner.” (source)

In a surprise U-turn, European Council President Charles Michel said on Friday (26 January) that he has decided to withdraw his EU elections candidacy and was planning to complete his mandate. (source)

The likelihood of Frederiksen replacing Charles Michel at the helm of the European Council is also increasingly being taken seriously by diplomats. (source)

Alain Berset, former president of the Swiss Confederation, and Indrek Saar, former Estonian culture minister and socialist party leader, are running alongside EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders for the Council of Europe secretary general post. -Euractiv