Ursula von der Leyen secured her second term as European Commission president with strong backing from the European Parliament, receiving 401 votes in favour. In her address to Parliament in Strasbourg, she specified a strong agenda centred on creating a European Defence Union and advancing the EU’s Green Deal while supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Von der Leyen emphasised the critical role of the next five years in shaping Europe’s future amidst challenges from global economic competition, climate change, and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.She reaffirmed her commitment to the Green Deal, aiming for a significant reduction in emissions by 2040 and implementing measures to support European industries in transitioning to greener practices.
Highlighting the need for a united European defence strategy, von der Leyen pledged flagship projects in air and cyber defence, prompting criticism from the Kremlin but earning widespread support within Parliament. She criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent Moscow visit, describing it as an “appeasement mission.”
The re election of von der Leyen ensures continuity in EU leadership amid growing internal and external pressures, including rising support for far right and Eurosceptic parties across member states. Her coalition, comprising centre-right, center-left, and liberal groups along with Green lawmakers, secured a comfortable margin of victory.
Looking ahead, von der Leyen will propose her team of commissioners, who will undergo hearings before Parliament later in the year. Her agenda seeks to strengthen EU security with tighter border controls and enhanced police cooperation, addressing concerns about crime and migration.
Von der Leyen’s second term promises to define Europe’s stance globally while navigating uncertainties over transatlantic relations under potential future US leadership changes. Her leadership aims to position the EU as a key player in global affairs, balancing defence priorities with ambitious climate goals and economic resilience.
Von der Leyen emphasised the critical role of the next five years in shaping Europe’s future amidst challenges from global economic competition, climate change, and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.She reaffirmed her commitment to the Green Deal, aiming for a significant reduction in emissions by 2040 and implementing measures to support European industries in transitioning to greener practices.
Highlighting the need for a united European defence strategy, von der Leyen pledged flagship projects in air and cyber defence, prompting criticism from the Kremlin but earning widespread support within Parliament. She criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent Moscow visit, describing it as an “appeasement mission.”
The re election of von der Leyen ensures continuity in EU leadership amid growing internal and external pressures, including rising support for far right and Eurosceptic parties across member states. Her coalition, comprising centre-right, center-left, and liberal groups along with Green lawmakers, secured a comfortable margin of victory.
Looking ahead, von der Leyen will propose her team of commissioners, who will undergo hearings before Parliament later in the year. Her agenda seeks to strengthen EU security with tighter border controls and enhanced police cooperation, addressing concerns about crime and migration.
Von der Leyen’s second term promises to define Europe’s stance globally while navigating uncertainties over transatlantic relations under potential future US leadership changes. Her leadership aims to position the EU as a key player in global affairs, balancing defence priorities with ambitious climate goals and economic resilience.