Extraordinary European Council in Brussels

Under the Presidency of Bertie Ahern, Irish Prime Minister and acting President of the EU Council, the Heads of State and Government designated José Manuel Barroso, Portuguese Prime Minister, as the next President of the European Commission. José Manuel Barroso will succeed Romano Prodi, whose term ends on 31 October 2004. His appointment will take effect once confirmed by the vote in the European Parliament on 22 July. The European leaders also designated in advance Javier Solana for the future position of EU Foreign Minister. Additionally, they reconfirmed him as Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).