Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as President of the European Commission for a second five-year term, securing a comfortable majority in the European Parliament. The German conservative politician received 401 votes in favor, 284 against, and 15 abstentions, with 7 invalid votes. This marks a significant increase from her initial election in 2019, where she received 383 votes.In her acceptance speech, von der Leyen outlined her priorities for the next term, including the creation of a ‘European Union of Defense’, maintaining Europe’s ecological transition, and addressing housing shortages. She also emphasized her commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion, stating that ‘European freedom is at stake’.Von der Leyen’s re-election has been met with mixed reactions across Europe. While many centrist parties welcomed the result, some right-wing groups, including Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, voted against her. The re-election is seen as a victory for Europeanist forces, with von der Leyen promising to work with those who are ‘pro-EU, pro-Ukraine, and pro-rule of law’.Looking ahead, von der Leyen has committed to addressing key challenges facing the EU, including climate change, migration, and defense. She has announced plans to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 and increase investment in renewable energy. Additionally, she plans to double Europol’s staff and triple the number of European Border and Coast Guards.As she begins her second term, von der Leyen faces the task of building her team, aiming for gender parity in the Commission. The next steps will include hearings of candidates for European Commissioner posts, followed by a vote of confirmation in the Parliament later this year.
Key points
- Ursula von der Leyen re-elected as European Commission President with 401 votes.
- Von der Leyen outlines priorities including defense, ecological transition, and Ukraine support.
- Re-election seen as victory for Europeanist forces, despite opposition from some right-wing parties.
- Plans announced to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 and strengthen EU borders.
Contradictions👾While most sources report broad support for von der Leyen, some highlight opposition, particularly from right-wing parties like Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia.
