Ursula von der Leyen has been reelected for a second five-year term as president of the European Commission following a vote by EU lawmakers. This decision comes as Europe’s mainstream political forces aim to reassert themselves against a rising far-right movement.
In a prior address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, von der Leyen committed to investing in infrastructure and industry, establishing a new “European Defense Union,” and continuing the continent’s green transition efforts.
Von der Leyen secured her reelection in a secret ballot with 401 votes in favor and 284 against, needing at least 360 votes to achieve a majority in the 720-seat parliament.
Having led the commission through the Covid-19 pandemic and the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, von der Leyen now faces a bloc that has shifted rightward after recent European elections, where far-right parties gained a record number of seats.
In her address to the parliament before the vote, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the next five years, stating, “It will define Europe’s place in the world for the next five decades. It will decide whether we shape our own future or let it be shaped by events or by others.”
At 65, the German national was initially introduced as a compromise candidate in 2019 but has since solidified her role in Europe’s leadership, especially as other prominent leaders, such as Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Emmanuel Macron, have retired or faced domestic challenges.
Despite her somewhat weakened position following last month’s election, von der Leyen’s reelection was anticipated, with support from the center-right European People’s Party (EPP), the center-left Socialist and Democrats (S&D), and the liberal Renew blocs. The Green bloc also declared its support shortly before the vote.
After her reelection, von der Leyen expressed her gratitude, calling the moment “very emotional and special” and thanking the parliament for its trust.
Reflecting on her first term, she said, “We have spared no effort. We have navigated the most troubled waters that our union has ever faced. And we have kept the course on our long-term European goals.”
Earlier in the day, von der Leyen released a 31-page policy proposal outlining her priorities for a second term. She emphasized the need for the democratic center in Europe to hold against resurgent extremes and urged mainstream parties to address the concerns and challenges faced by people.
She promised to boost investment for the “green, digital and social transition” and proposed the creation of a European Defense Union with a dedicated commissioner for defense. This new role aims to enhance coordination among member states for defense efforts, including a Europe-wide air defense system and cyber protection measures.
Before her reelection, von der Leyen criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as “an appeasement mission,” and reaffirmed EU support for Ukraine.
Her reelection follows a recent ruling by the EU’s second-highest court, which criticized the commission for lacking transparency in its Covid-19 vaccine contracts during the pandemic.
