In a significant political victory, Ursula von der Leyen has garnered the support of EU lawmakers for another five-year term as President of the European Commission, the EU’s influential executive arm.

Parliamentary Approval

The 720-member European Parliament voted on Thursday, with 401 members supporting von der Leyen, 284 opposing, and 15 abstaining. Von der Leyen needed 361 votes to secure her reappointment.

Von der Leyen’s Political Journey

Ursula von der Leyen, a seasoned politician, first assumed office as President of the European Commission in 2019. Her leadership has seen the EU navigate through numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. Her re-election indicates a continued trust by her peers in her capability to lead the EU’s executive body.

Key Priorities for the New Term

As von der Leyen embarks on her second term, she is expected to focus on several critical issues. These include advancing the EU’s Green Deal, bolstering digital transformation, and strengthening the bloc’s geopolitical stance. Her re-election underscores the importance of continuity and stability in addressing these pressing challenges.