Ursula von der Leyen's Re-Election as European Commission President: A Test of Political Endurance
On June 29, 2024, Ursula von der Leyen was officially nominated for a second term as President of the European Commission by European Union leaders. Her re-election bid comes at a time of growing political divisions, geopolitical tensions, and a rise in far-right influence across the EU. The European Parliament’s vote was expected to be a tight one, with shifting alliances and political maneuvering shaping the final outcome.
Von der Leyen’s First Term: Achievements and Controversies
During her first five-year term, von der Leyen led the European Commission through a series of major crises, including:
- The COVID-19 pandemic: Implementing the EU Recovery Fund, which provided €750 billion in financial aid to EU member states.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Spearheading EU sanctions against Russia and coordinating financial and military support for Ukraine.
- Green Deal initiatives: Pushing for climate policies aimed at making the EU carbon-neutral by 2050.
- Digital and economic reforms: Strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy in the tech and energy sectors.
However, her leadership also faced significant criticism, particularly from right-wing parties and some member states that accused the Commission of excessive bureaucracy and political bias.
Political Shifts: The Rise of the Far Right in Europe
The European Parliament elections in June 2024 saw a significant increase in support for far-right and nationalist parties, such as:
- Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (France)
- Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy
- Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Despite these gains, centrist parties still held a majority, though with a narrower margin. This shift forced von der Leyen to negotiate strategically to secure enough votes for her re-election.
The Parliament Vote: A Narrow Victory
On July 18, 2024, the European Parliament voted on von der Leyen’s second term. The results were as follows:
- 401 votes in favor
- 284 votes against
- 15 abstentions
This outcome highlights the fragile political balance within the European Union, where von der Leyen had to secure votes from multiple factions, including liberals, social democrats, and some right-wing moderates.
Read more about the vote results here
Giorgia Meloni’s Opposition and Political Influence
One of the key figures opposing von der Leyen was Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister and leader of the Brothers of Italy party. Despite developing a more cooperative relationship with EU leaders, Meloni:
- Abstained from voting for von der Leyen
- Voted against other key EU leadership nominations
- Criticized the exclusion of far-right parties from leadership negotiations
Her opposition reflects a broader tension between mainstream European leaders and nationalist movements, which are gaining more influence within the EU.
Key Appointments Alongside Von der Leyen
In addition to von der Leyen’s re-election, the EU also appointed:
- Kaja Kallas (Estonia) as the next EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs
- António Costa (Portugal) as President of the European Council
Both figures are known for their pro-European and centrist views, reinforcing the EU’s mainstream leadership against the growing influence of nationalist parties.
Learn more about von der Leyen's leadership program here
Von der Leyen’s Priorities for Her Second Term
As she begins her second term, von der Leyen’s agenda will focus on:
1. Continued Support for Ukraine
- Strengthening financial aid and military assistance
- Managing relations with the US and NATO, especially with Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House
2. Economic Stability and Growth
- Expanding EU industrial strategy to boost tech and energy independence
- Implementing new economic policies to counter inflation and energy crises
3. Climate and Energy Policies
- Advancing the EU Green Deal despite opposition from farmers and industry leaders
- Reducing energy dependency on external suppliers, particularly Russia and China
4. Managing Internal Political Divisions
- Addressing far-right influence in European politics
- Maintaining strong relations between EU institutions and national governments
Read more about von der Leyen’s re-election here
The Future of EU Politics: A Fragile Balance
Von der Leyen’s re-election represents a continuation of centrist leadership, but the rise of populist and nationalist movements presents a significant challenge. The next five years will be a critical period for the European Union, as it navigates:
- Geopolitical tensions with Russia and China
- The economic and environmental policies of the Green Deal
- A shifting political landscape with more far-right influence
Her success will depend on her ability to build alliances, maintain stability, and push forward key EU initiatives.
Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as President of the European Commission marks a new chapter in EU politics. While she managed to secure a parliamentary majority, the political landscape has shifted, requiring strategic compromises and careful coalition-building.
Her leadership will be tested as she tackles economic, geopolitical, and internal EU challenges, all while facing an increasingly divided European political scene. The coming years will determine whether she can maintain stability or if far-right and nationalist movements will continue to disrupt the EU’s vision of unity and progress.
Bine