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Brussels, Belgium— European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has secured a second five-year term, committing to address the European Union’s significant challenges, including enhancing defence capabilities and bolstering the continent’s industry.
The German ex-defence minister, who became the first woman to lead the European Commission in 2019, positioned herself as the most experienced leader to guide the commission. Von der Leyen received 401 votes from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the 720-seat chamber, surpassing the 361-vote majority required. A total of 284 lawmakers voted against her in the secret ballot held in Strasbourg.
An elated von der Leyen celebrated the announcement with fists raised in the air. She later expressed her emotions, calling it “a very emotional and special moment for me” and said the result “sends a strong message of confidence.”
Von der Leyen’s first term was marked by crises, including the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. She noted, “We have navigated the most troubled waters that our union has ever faced.”
However, she faces another challenging term with potential geopolitical shifts, such as the possible return of former US President Donald Trump to the White House and ongoing conflicts in and around Europe. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for a “strong Europe” during these times of deep anxiety and uncertainty. Other pressing issues include the risk of conflict in the Middle East and trade tensions with China.
European leaders quickly congratulated her. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed optimism for improved EU-UK relations, saying, “I look forward to working closely with you to reset the relationship between the UK and the European Union.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also hailed her re-election, with Tusk highlighting her courage and determination.
European Council President Charles Michel, who had frosty relations with von der Leyen, welcomed the parliament’s vote as a pro-European choice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also extended his best wishes, hoping for strengthened EU unity, defence, and economic power.
Von der Leyen, representing the conservative European People’s Party, secured support from a centrist coalition including the Socialists and Democrats and the liberal Renew Europe groups. Despite this support, the Socialists and Democrats emphasized that it did not constitute a “blank cheque,” with their leader, Iratxe Garcia Perez, stating they would work to imprint social policies across the EU.
In her commitments, von der Leyen vowed to boost Europe’s competitiveness through significant investment in key industries, including defence, and to uphold ambitious climate goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040. She also promised to address Europe’s housing crisis, strengthen the EU’s border agency Frontex, and enhance efforts against disinformation.
Her pledges to reinforce the EU’s borders were aimed at satisfying her European People’s Party allies and the far-right European Conservatives and Reformists group, led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party. Although Brothers of Italy MEPs voted against her, Meloni assured that this would not affect cooperation between Rome and Brussels.
Von der Leyen’s next steps include selecting her cabinet of commissioners, who will also need to undergo confirmation hearings in the parliament in the autumn.
