Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected as European Commission President

Strasbourg, The Gulf Observer: Ursula von der Leyen has been elected for a second term as President of the European Commission, following a decisive vote in the European Parliament where she garnered 401 votes in favor and 284 against in a secret ballot.

In her address to the Parliament earlier in the day, von der Leyen outlined her agenda focused on prosperity, security, and addressing key challenges such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, global economic competition, and the climate crisis.

“The next five years 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,” von der Leyen emphasized.

She reaffirmed her commitment to the EU’s “Green Deal” transformation to combat climate change, pledging new measures to balance environmental goals with industry competitiveness. Von der Leyen also pledged support for Ukraine and proposed the creation of a “true European Defence Union” with initiatives in air and cyber defence, amid increased geopolitical tensions.

The election outcome, supported by an informal alliance of centre-right, centre-left, liberal, and Green lawmakers, ensures continuity in EU leadership during a critical period marked by internal and external challenges.

In the coming weeks, von der Leyen will nominate her team of commissioners, who will undergo individual hearings before a final vote on the entire Commission later this year.