Ursula von der Leyen Reelected as European Commission President

Lawmakers at the European Parliament have reelected Ursula von der Leyen to a second five-year term as President of the European Commission. The vote, held on July 18, saw von der Leyen secure 401 out of 707 votes, with 284 against, 15 abstentions, and seven void ballots, ensuring a clear majority and averting a potential leadership vacuum within the European Union.

Raising both fists in victory as the Parliament President Roberta Metsola read out the result, von der Leyen declared, “This is a victory for all pro-European, pro-Ukraine, and pro-rule of law forces. We are working for a strong Europe.”

The reelection guarantees leadership continuity for the 27-nation bloc as it navigates crises ranging from the war in Ukraine to climate change, migration, and housing shortages.

 Emphasizing the necessity of defending democracy, von der Leyen stated, “Our democracy is under attack from inside and from outside, and therefore it is crucial that the democratic forces stand together to defend our democracy.”

Her speech highlighted key themes of prosperity, security, and defense. She pledged to strengthen the EU economy, bolster police and border agencies, tackle migration, and pursue climate change policies. She also vowed to address housing shortages and create a commissioner for the Mediterranean region.

Von der Leyen's reelection followed intense negotiations and a politically charged environment. The Greens/European Free Alliance group supported her after receiving assurances about her commitment to climate initiatives and improving social policies, including affordable housing.

“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,” stated Bas Eickhout, president of the Greens/European Free Alliance group.

"We have secured commitments on the Green Deal, making the EU more socially fair and protecting democracy," the Greens said, confirming their support.

Italy’s far-right Premier Giorgia Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party voted against von der Leyen, expressed her disapproval: “We didn’t agree with the method nor the merit of the process that led to her reelection. However, the cooperation with the Commission is not undermined.”

Von der Leyen took a firm stance against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, criticizing his recent visit to Russia as a “so-called peace mission” and an “appeasement mission.” She pledged, “Europe will remain shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.”


 While seeking the Parliament's support for her policy agenda, Von der Leyen said, "We may certainly not agree on everything but we should all agree that Europe is stronger when we bridge our differences and join our forces," she told MEPs. "If you give me your trust, I will be honoured to turn all these actions into reality together with you."

Reflecting on her first term, von der Leyen noted, “Over the past five years, we have navigated the most troubled waters that our union has ever faced. We have kept the course on our long-term European goals.”

Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the collective vaccine procurement, was praised despite criticisms about the transparency of the negotiations.

Von der Leyen’s reelection came as newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed European leaders to discuss migration, energy security, and threats from Russia. Congratulating her on social media, Starmer expressed his intention to “work closely with you to reset the relationship between the UK and the European Union.”

The European Union leaders had endorsed von der Leyen’s candidacy at a summit meeting, bolstered by the support of the center-right European People’s Party. Alongside von der Leyen, the EU will see new leadership with Antonio Costa of Portugal as European Council President and Estonia’s Kaja Kallas as the EU’s top diplomat.

Her next move involves interviewing Commissioner candidates submitted by each member state and determining the structure of her new executive team. This process will require careful handling, as many capitals are vying for prominent portfolios for their nominees.

Once the College of Commissioners is formed, it will undergo a confirmation vote in Parliament later this year. If approved, the 27 Commissioners will officially assume their roles and commence their duties.