Ursula von der Leyen, the first female president of the European Commission, is seeking re-election for a second term. Despite facing an uphill battle in the European Parliament to secure the necessary votes, von der Leyen is eager to guide the European Union through an uncertain future. Her historic election in 2019 was unexpected, and she vowed to strengthen Europe as its first female leader. Von der Leyen’s presidency has been marked by key moments, including the introduction of the European Green Deal, a recovery fund to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and her response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
One of von der Leyen’s defining moments was the announcement of the European Green Deal in 2019, a plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This initiative included legislative proposals such as a carbon border tax and a ban on the combustion engine, despite facing controversy. Additionally, she launched a €750-billion recovery fund to jumpstart the economy post-pandemic, financed through common debt issuance, breaking longstanding resistance from frugal countries. Von der Leyen’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, including the vaccine roll-out, faced challenges but showcased her commitment to a united Europe.
The Sofagate incident in Turkey in 2021 highlighted gender biases in politics, as von der Leyen was left without a chair during a meeting with Turkish officials. This incident underscored her strained relationship with Charles Michel, the European Council president. In response, von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament, highlighting the gendered nature of the situation. Von der Leyen’s role during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 further positioned her as a prominent voice in the EU, advocating for sanctions against Russia and supporting Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Von der Leyen’s bold speech on EU-China relations in 2023 marked a shift in the EU’s approach to China, emphasizing the need to address human rights violations and unfair trade practices. Her signing of a deal with Tunisia to address migration highlighted her commitment to reforming the EU’s migration rules. However, this move faced criticism for supporting Tunisia’s president, accused of authoritarian politics. Von der Leyen’s trip to Israel following the Hamas-led attack in 2023 showcased her support for Israel but drew backlash for not acknowledging the Palestinian perspective.
In response to farmer protests across Europe, von der Leyen faced challenges to her Green Deal, as farmers criticized environmental regulations. Her attempts to balance environmental goals with farmers’ livelihoods included simplifying the Common Agriculture Policy and engaging in a dialogue with the agriculture sector. Von der Leyen’s re-election campaign as the EPP’s Spitzenkandidat garnered mixed reactions, with her campaign strategies exposing her divisive character. Despite these challenges, von der Leyen was nominated for a second term, emphasizing her accomplishments in the first mandate and her vision for a stronger Europe.
