The move has elicited a round of indignation in Brussels, notably from E.U. foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini.
The move has elicited a round of indignation in Brussels, notably from E.U. foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini.
The trip comes days after a similar charm offensive led by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who met with his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Erdogan, this week to discuss strategic ties.
Though the commissioners will likely remain behind the scene figures, they will play a critical role in shaping priorities in Brussels.
The commission has often seen early frontrunners rejected in favor of a lesser-known candidate perceived as more amenable to backing decisions made by the larger states.
Juncker is set to take over the most important job in the E.U., but his foreign affairs chief will wield broad influence as well.