IRIA News

Lawmakers at the European Parliament have re-elected Ursula von der Leyen to a second five-year term as president of the EU’s executive commission. The re-election, which saw von der Leyen secure a comfortable majority of 401 votes out of 720, averts a potential leadership vacuum and positions her at the helm as the 27-nation bloc navigates a myriad of crises.

Von der Leyen, raising both fists in victory, celebrated her re-election as Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the results. “This is a victory for all pro-European, pro-Ukraine, and pro-rule of law lawmakers,” she declared. Her leadership continuity is seen as vital as the EU grapples with the war in Ukraine, climate change, migration, and housing shortages.

In her victory speech, von der Leyen emphasized the overarching importance of strengthening democracy within the EU. “Our democracy is under attack from inside and outside, and therefore it is crucial that the democratic forces stand together to defend our democracy,” she said. This sentiment echoes the growing concerns about internal and external threats to democratic institutions in Europe.

The European Free Alliance (the Green Alliance) group in the parliament supported von der Leyen after she assured them of her commitment to Europe’s climate initiatives, social policies, and affordable housing.

Bas Eickhout, the group’s president, remarked, “The majority against the far right must hold for the future. We must not let our guard down in the face of growing far-right forces that work to strip away our rights and destroy our democracy.”

5 more years.

I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for the trust of all MEPs that voted for me. pic.twitter.com/d9n3yfIVtS

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 18, 2024

Von der Leyen’s re-election comes at a time when the far-right has made significant gains in the European political landscape, notably in last month’s European Parliament elections. Italy’s far-right League party criticized her victory, claiming it “betrayed the vote of millions of voters who were asking for change and who now will suffer the wicked choices of the green extremists.”

In a bid to appeal across the political spectrum, von der Leyen pledged to bolster the EU economy, enhance its police and border agencies, address migration issues, and pursue climate policies while supporting farmers. She also promised to tackle housing shortages and to appoint a commissioner for the Mediterranean region to address its unique challenges.

During her speech, von der Leyen took a firm stance against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Russia, which she described as an “appeasement mission.” She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to standing with Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Her leadership over the past five years has been marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite criticisms regarding the opacity of vaccine negotiations during the pandemic, von der Leyen has been lauded for her role in steering the EU through these troublesome times and for her ambitious Green Deal aimed at making the EU climate-neutral by 2050.

Von der Leyen’s re-election coincides with newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosting 45 European heads of government to discuss migration, energy security, and threats from Russia. Starmer congratulated von der Leyen on social media, expressing his eagerness to “reset the relationship between the UK and the European Union.”

Alongside von der Leyen, the EU will see Antonio Costa of Portugal as the new European Council president and Estonia’s Kaja Kallas as the potential top diplomat. Kallas, known for her staunch support of Ukraine and criticism of Russia, will need parliamentary approval later this year.

Von der Leyen’s re-election signifies a commitment to maintaining a strong, unified Europe capable of facing current and future challenges. Her leadership promises to focus on prosperity, security, defense, and democratic integrity, essential for the EU’s stability and growth. As the bloc confronts internal and external pressures, von der Leyen’s experience and vision will be crucial in navigating these complex issues, ensuring that the EU remains resilient and forward-looking.