With a whopping 401 votes in favor, Ursula von der Leyen’s victory as president of the European Commission secured her second term with solid support from the European Parliament. In her tackle to Parliament in Strasbourg, she laid out a solid plan to establish a European Defense Union, advance the EU’s Green Deal, and support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Von der Leyen emphasised the important part of the next five years in shaping Europe’s coming amidst issues from global economic competitors, climate change, and Russia’s activities in Ukraine. She reiterated her devotion to the Green Deal, setting out steps to help European industries in moving to greener practices by 2040 and achieving a substantial reduction in emissions by 2040.
Von der Leyen pledged flagship initiatives in heat and digital defense, drawing criticism from the Kremlin, and winning popular support within Parliament. He stressed the need for a coordinated German defense strategy. She criticized Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, for his recent visit to Moscow, calling it an “appeasement goal.”
In light of growing internal and external stresses, including rising assistance for far-right and conservative parties across member states, the re-election of von der Leyen ensures consistency in EU leadership. Her partnership, comprising centre-right, center-left, and progressive organizations along with Green politicians, secured a pleasant margin of victory.
Looking back, von der Leyen may introduce her team of commission, who will have hearings before Parliament eventually in the year. Her objective addresses concerns about violence and migration and aims to strengthen EU security with stricter border controls and enhanced police assistance.
Von der Leyen’s next term hopes to establish Europe’s position internationally while navigating doubts over transatlantic relations as a result of probable future US management changes. Her authority aims to strike a balance between ambitious weather goals and the EU’s role as a key player in world affairs.
