Von der Leyen Secures Second Term as EU Commission President

Re-election and Voting Process

• Ursula von der Leyen re-elected as European Commission President
• Secured 401 votes in favor, 284 against in secret ballot
• Needed 360 votes for majority in 719-member European Parliament
• Second five-year term as Commission President
• Re-election ensures leadership continuity for the 27-nation bloc
• Described victory as triumph for "pro-European, pro-Ukraine, and pro-rule of law" lawmakers

Key Policy Commitments and Priorities

• Focus on prosperity, security, defense, and democracy
• Pledged to create a "true European Defence Union"
• Proposed 90% emissions reduction target by 2040
• Promised new measures to help European industries stay competitive
• Committed to addressing housing shortages across Europe
• Pledged to appoint a commissioner for the Mediterranean region
• Vowed to strengthen EU economy, police, and border agencies
• Emphasized tackling migration issues
• Promised to address climate change while supporting farmers
• Pledged continued support for Ukraine

Political Support and Opposition

• Backed by core coalition of centre-right, centre-left, and liberal groups
• Greens joined the alliance after commitments on climate initiatives and social policies
• Italy's far-right party voted against, disagreeing with the re-election process
• Criticized Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán's visit to Russia as "appeasement mission"
• Promised "no structured cooperation" with far-right groups
• Faced opposition from some right-wing and eurosceptic parties

Challenges and Achievements

• Led EU through Brexit, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine
• Championed the Green Deal for climate neutrality by 2050
• Faced criticism over lack of transparency in COVID-19 vaccine negotiations
• Emphasized need to address global economic competition and climate change
• Highlighted importance of reducing EU dependencies on external factors

About European Commission

• European Commission Established in 16 January 1958.
• Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium
• Five-year term

Role and Function:

• Executive branch of the European Union

• Proposes and enforces legislation, proposing new laws and regulations

• Implements EU policies and allocating EU budget
• Ensures the proper application of EU law

Composition:

• 27 Commissioners, one from each EU member state
• Led by the President of the European Commission
• Each Commissioner oversees specific policy areas

Selection Process:

• President nominated by European Council and elected by European Parliament
• Commissioners proposed by member states, approved by President-elect
• Entire Commission subject to a vote of approval by European Parliament