EU leaders meet in Brussels to divvy up top jobs. These are the frontrunners

The post-election game of horse trading faces its first test on Monday as leaders of the European Union meet in Brussels to discuss, and possibly assign, the bloc's top jobs.

The informal summit will see the 27 heads of state and government haggle over who should be the next president of the European Commission, president of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The negotiations have traditionally been a delicate juggling act: the distribution of top jobs needs to consider political affiliations, geographical origins and gender balance to ensure the greatest support across the table.

In 2019, the selection came after several days of wrangling, including an all-night marathon that left leaders visibly exhausted.

This time around, Brussels might be in for an easier ride.

In the aftermath of the elections, a consensus has emerged faster than many had anticipated: Ursula von der Leyen for the Commission, António Costa for the Council and Kaja Kallas for High Representative.

"This is the direction of travel," said a diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There's a clear interest in getting clarity and predictably quickly."

Another diplomat suggested the fast pace with which the package has been put together was mostly due to the lack of credible alternatives from the parties.

Although hopes are high for a swift resolution, the final agreement might not be sealed at Monday's dinner and be pushed back to the formal summit on 27 June.

Here's how things are looking up.

Since announcing her re-election bid in February, von der Leyen has been considered the indisputable frontrunner for the European Commission. The 65-year-old German has led the executive through back-to-back crises