Ursula von der Leyen Secures Second Term as European Commission President

Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected by the European Parliament for another five-year term as president of the European Commission. Her plans include new EU defense projects, maintaining climate policies, supporting European industries, and revamping migration policies. The Commission, influential in EU laws and budget, will see a new team by October.

Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected for a second term as president of the European Commission by the European Parliament. In her new term, she proposed several ambitious plans, including initiating new EU defense projects, a European air shield, and an emphasis on not diluting climate change policies while supporting European industries. Additionally, she announced a new competitiveness fund focused on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

The European Commission, the EU's powerful executive body, is crucial as it drafts and proposes new policies and manages the substantial EU budget. Von der Leyen's pivotal role means her priorities will shape the future of the EU, affecting its 27 member states and 450 million citizens. Her first term, starting in 2019, saw significant measures against climate change and the crucial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, though not without criticism.

With the new term secured, von der Leyen will next form her team, known as the 'college', consisting of commissioners from each EU country. By October, after vetting and hearings, the new European Commission will be operational, ready to tackle new legislative and policy challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)