One of the most powerful European leaders , German Chancellor Angela Merkel , endorsed the former Luxembourg prime minister , who is a member of Europe 's strongest political party , the center-right EPP . Europe 's leaders nominate Jean - Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission . Last year , the European Parliament revealed cracks in the continent - wide bloc . Angela Merkel and David Cameron clashed over Merkel 's support for Hungary . Cameron forced a vote on issue , but only Hungarian President Viktor Orban backed him .
Europe 's leaders nominate Jean - Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission . Last year , the European Parliament revealed cracks in the continent - wide bloc . Angela Merkel and David Cameron clashed over Merkel 's support for Hungary . Cameron forced a vote on issue , but only Hungarian President Viktor Orban backed him .