On Thursday, European Union leaders finalized a series of high-profile appointments for their central political institutions. 

German conservative Ursula von der Leyen was reappointed as president of the European Commission, extending her tenure for another five years.

Joining von der Leyen in leading the EU's executive branch are two new appointees: Antonio Costa from Portugal, who will serve as the president of the European Council, and Estonia's Kaja Kallas, who steps in as the EU's chief diplomat. 

During a press conference following the summit where these decisions were made, outgoing European Council President Charles Michel expressed satisfaction with the outcomes. "Mission Accomplished," Michel declared, flanked by von der Leyen and Kallas. Antonio Costa, who participated via video link, also expressed his commitment to his new role.