On Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as the President of the European Commission for a five-year term in the European Parliament elections.
Before the voting on Thursday morning, von der Leyen detailed her re-election plans, including a new EU defense project starting from the European Sky Shield air defense project, providing more support for European industry while investing in emission reduction, and efforts to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from invading Taiwan.
The European Commission is the only institution in the EU authorized to draft and propose new EU policies and laws, including the substantial EU budget.
The last budget agreement was reached in 2020, allocating 1.2 trillion euros ($1.31 trillion) for the period of 2021-2027, with additional funds allocated to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The role of the European Commission allows it to directly influence the rules that all 27 EU countries and their 450 million citizens must adhere to, covering areas such as trade, competition among companies in the EU single market, agriculture, and the environment.
As the Commission President, von der Leyen has the authority to decide, with the consent of EU member governments, which issues the Commission prioritizes and which ones can access billions of euros in EU funding.
According to Reuters, von der Leyen stated that the European Commission will propose a new competitiveness fund in the next EU budget to invest in cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence.
She also outlined changes in immigration policy, introducing new methods for returning migrants to their home countries and plans to double the number of border and coastal guards in Europe.
At the beginning of her first term in 2019, the EU adopted one of the most ambitious climate policies among the major world economies.
Von der Leyen also led the EU’s responses to various emergencies, such as COVID-19, during which the European Commission signed contracts worth billions of euros for vaccines. Some lawmakers criticized the handling of these contracts and sued the European Commission for refusing to disclose more relevant information.
The day before von der Leyen’s reelection, the EU’s second-highest court ruled that the COVID-19 vaccine contracts signed by the European Commission during the pandemic lacked transparency.
According to Politico, von der Leyen stated before the vote that as part of her second term as the candidate for the President of the European Commission, she will seek to “prevent China (the CCP) from invading Taiwan.”
“The Indo-Pacific region has become a decisive area determining the future of the world,” she said in her manifesto titled “Europe’s Choice,” adding that “we will cooperate with Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia over the next five years.”
“We face common challenges in areas such as cyberspace, space, secure supplies of critical minerals, and technology. This includes our joint efforts, deploying our comprehensive governance strategy to prevent China (the CCP) from unilaterally changing the status quo by military means, especially on the Taiwan issue.”
As the first woman to serve as President of the European Commission, this is von der Leyen’s clearest statement so far on the Taiwan issue.
Von der Leyen vowed to work with the four countries cooperating on the Taiwan issue, who are also listed as NATO’s four Indo-Pacific partners.
In her manifesto, von der Leyen raised concerns about the rapid increase in China’s defense spending. She stated that between 1999 and 2021, the EU’s total defense spending increased by 20%. During the same period, Russia’s defense spending increased by nearly 300%, and China’s defense spending increased by almost 600%.
After her reelection, von der Leyen will form her own team. This group of 27 members includes one commissioner from each EU country recommended by their respective governments. The recent EU commissioners have included former legislators, diplomats, government ministers, and corporate executives.
It is expected that governments will nominate their candidates in early August, although some governments have already preemptively put forward lists of candidates.
Once nominated, the EU will begin a process lasting several months to review whether the nominees have any conflicts of interest. The EU legislators will then question the nominees about their plans during hours-long hearings.
The new European Commission is expected to be formed and commence operations as early as October. Only then will it be able to propose new legislative recommendations and amend existing laws.
On Thursday, the European Parliament held a secret ballot on von der Leyen’s reelection. In the end, she was re-elected with 401 votes in favor, 284 votes against, and 15 abstentions. World leaders have expressed their congratulations on her successful reelection.
Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), congratulated his friend Ursula von der Leyen on her reelection as President of the European Commission. He said, “The strategic partnership between NATO and the EU contributes to strengthening security both within and beyond Europe.”
Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, congratulated Ursula von der Leyen on her successful reelection as President of the European Commission in the European Parliament, saying, “It is well-deserved! This demonstrates the steadfast leadership and commitment to values you have shown in challenging times. Europe is indestructible and ready at all times.”
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, “Congratulations on being re-elected, Ursula von der Leyen. I sincerely hope you can successfully tackle the various threats facing the EU and enhance the EU’s position as a reliable global player.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “Congratulations on your reelection, Ursula von der Leyen. This clearly shows our ability to act in the EU, especially in difficult times. Europeans expect us to lead Europe forward. Let’s get to work!”
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “For a more sovereign, prosperous, competitive, and democratic Europe, congratulations to dear Ursula von der Leyen!”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said, “Congratulations on your reelection as President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. At a time of great challenges, Europe can rely on your knowledge, experience, and leadership, which is excellent. I look forward to working with you to gain more control over immigration, strengthen our economy and security, and improve the prospects of the agricultural sector.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “Congratulations on your reelection as President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. I look forward to working closely with you to reshape the relationship between the UK and the EU.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Congratulations on your reelection, Ursula von der Leyen. As you mentioned during your visit to Canada, difficult times always witness genuine friendship. The EU and Canada are just that: steadfast allies.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “I wish President von der Leyen success in achieving results for all Europeans and enhancing the EU’s unity, defense, and economic strength. Ukraine, as a future EU member, is eager to make a positive contribution to strengthening peace, security, and prosperity in Europe, as well as to the EU’s growing global role.”