YPRES, Belgium
European Union leaders gathered Thursday to mark the centenary of World War I and hold talks on future EU policy.
The two-day summit in Ypres, Belgium - scene of some of the bloodiest fighting during the war - will see the nomination of a new president of the European Commission to replace Jose Manuel Barroso in November.
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker is the front-runner for the five-year post, although his appointment would cause controversy. He has been backed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel but strongly opposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Switzerland and the Netherlands also support Juncker while Hungary had sided with Britain.
Relations with Russia are another subject to be discussed, with a chance of new sanctions being imposed by the EU over Russia’s stance on the crisis in eastern Ukraine.
The union members are also expected to sign partnership agreements and trade agreements with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldovia on Friday.
The EU leaders are also expected to cast final vote for the candidacy status of Albania for EU membership. Albania applied in 2009 but has been refused candidate status four times.
www.aa.com.tr/en
