From Merkel's man to Salvin: Who can replace Juncker in charge of the EU?

But stressing that it is still early to make predictions, the DW has drafted the list of key candidates, which it begins with the politician considered Angela Merkel's man, Alfred Weber, or adapted, as German media giant calls him.

CSU's man belongs to his party's moderate wing, one with a friendly attitude towards Europe.

Meanwhile, for four years he has been chairman of the European People's Party parliamentary group. What could harm him is the protection he has offered for years to Victor Orban's Fidesz party, despite the fact that when he submitted his candidacy, he was distanced by the Hungarian prime minister.

Also in the race is Finnish Alexander Stubbb, part of his conservative homeland party -- a man who through the digital revolution, climate change and social reconciliation -- aims to revive the bloc.

Of the Social Democrats are running EU vice president Frans Timmmermans, described by the DW as an obedient frontman for EU values and a passionate European. Among the very rare names we find and the Margrethe Vestager: Danish Commissioner for Competition is so far considered unofficially the main candidate of European liberals.

But, it was more prominent, it is a name that can hardly be imagined attached to the European Commission head's post: Matteo Salvin.

The Italian rightist Extremist has been nominated by the German AfD as the candidate eligible for Europe's right-wing populist. Salvin himself says he will still be thought to run for the EU Commission.