EU leaders close to agreeing on Timmermans to lead European Commission

European Union leaders are close to awarding socialist Dutchman Frans Timmermans the job of European Commission president, with the centre-right Kristalina Georgieva lined up to head the European Council, two diplomats said on Monday.

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel is a strong candidate for the job of EU foreign policy chief, the two diplomats said.

Manfred Weber, who the centre-right European People's Party had wanted to lead the Commission, looked set to head the European Parliament, the diplomats said, adding the discussions were still being finalised after more than 18 hours of talks. [Reuters]