Prime Ministers from across the EU convened last week to agree the appointments of the President of their Council, and that of High Representative, who will become a VP of the Commission and responsible for foreign relations. Mrs Merkel, celebrating her sixtieth birthday, said that it was logical that the position should go to a member of the socialist family, seemingly crushing the hopes of Bulgaria’s current Commissioner, and those of the Polish Foreign Minister, who are both from the centre right. In turn, the Italian, Frederica Mogherini’s Foreign Minister’s chances appeared boosted, not only by that statement, but also by President Hollande declaration “will necessarily be a woman” This, despite a rump of Baltic states and others who lined up to oppose her on the basis of what they say, is her relative inexperience and pro-Russian disposition. When appointed last February, her first trip was to Kiev and then Moscow, where she meet with President Putin. But Frederica does have the support of the Socialist block, which mandated France’s President Hollande to speak on their behalf in support of her candidacy. This 41 year old has real hands-on experience, having entered the Foreign Ministry in 2003, where she specialised in not only Iraq and Afghanistan, but also importantly the Middle East Peace process. It would take all those opposed to her nomination to combine together to stop her appointment, which is unlikely, even with Juncker expressing quiet opposition stating that someone of experience is required. There is speculation that Poland will soften their position, in an effort to secure the Council Presidency when the Council reconvenes on the 30th August. Juncker may also, at that stage, decide to embrace Ms Mogherini as this would assist him in achieving gender balance in the Commission College.