European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently received the endorsement of the European People’s Party (EPP), the EU’s leading political group, for another term at the helm of the European Union’s executive arm.
Von der Leyen, the sole candidate in the EPP’s selection process, highlighted several pressing issues facing the 27-member EU, including the conflict in Ukraine, tensions in Gaza affecting the Middle East, and China’s ascension.
She underscored the internal threats posed by proponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, according to her, aim to manipulate European history and future through online hate campaigns.
Von der Leyen criticized the rise of populism, nationalism, and demagoguery, challenging the unity and peace of Europe.
Her re-nomination comes at a crucial time, with EU parliamentary elections on the horizon, set to redefine the EU’s leadership landscape.
Garnering 400 out of 489 votes, von der Leyen’s victory was celebrated with U2’s “Beautiful Day” playing in the background.
Looking forward, her potential second term as Commission President is pivotal as Europe seeks to bolster its security and defense capabilities amidst ongoing Russian aggression and the possibility of Donald Trump’s political comeback in the United States.
Von der Leyen’s future agenda includes enhancing the EU’s economic resilience, combating irregular immigration, and boosting the competitiveness of European businesses and agriculture amid rising living costs.
Furthermore, she committed to providing more support to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, emphasizing prosperity, security, and democracy as her tenure’s core pillars.
Belgian-born von der Leyen, a mother of seven with a medical background and previous experience as Germany’s defense minister, has navigated the EU through significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and an energy crisis.
As the first woman to occupy this influential position, she has witnessed the UK’s departure from the EU, advocated for ambitious climate targets, and initiated substantial investments in energy, healthcare, and economic recovery post-pandemic.
Despite these accomplishments, her environmental policies, particularly the “Green Deal,” have faced criticism and accusations of dilution in response to public dissent,