Several EU leaders were trying to persuade Angela Merkel at a summit in Romania on May 9 to accept a leading position in the EU, but she refused. Three people were familiar with the situation who wanted to remain anonymous told this to Bloomberg, after conversations on that topic took place behind closed doors.

They did not name the leaders who suggested to the German chancellor to accept the post of European Council president. Some of these heads of state or government have expressed hope that she would change her mind, two officials said.

Merkel, however, is said to be determined to serve her full term as chancellor, which ends in 2021.

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