Grateful for Trust: Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected President of the European Commission for Another 5 Years

Members of the newly elected European Parliament have voted to reappoint Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission. She received the support of 401 MEPs, with 284 against and 15 abstentions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament that she would focus on defence, security and climate policy if she is appointed to a second term, before the vote in Strasbourg.

‘Let's make a choice of strength,’ she told the parliament, promising a “shield of European democracy”.

At a press conference after the vote, Ursula von der Leyen said that ‘this is a very emotional and special moment’ for her.

She noted that she had won the vote by a larger margin than in 2019. 

‘It's much better,’ she said, drawing laughter from the audience.

‘It sends a strong message of confidence and I think it's also a recognition of the hard work we've done together over the last five years,’ said Ursula von der Leyen.

She also mentioned supporting the candidate countries, including Ukraine, on their way to full membership in the European Union as one of her priorities.

She emphasised that the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia ‘made their free choice’ and ‘chose freedom over oppression’.

‘Some of them are paying a very high price for this choice. So we also have to make our choice and demonstrate our commitment to ensure that their future is free, prosperous and in our European Union,’ the European Commissioner said.

She also added that the accession of these countries would ‘strengthen the EU's voice’ in the world, help ‘reduce the bloc's dependencies’ and ensure the spread of democracy, prosperity and stability across Europe.

Ms von der Leyen, who has served as Commission President since 2019, will need 361 votes in the 720-seat parliament to secure another five years in office.

As a reminder, the new European Parliament, which officially began its work on Tuesday, 16 July in Strasbourg following the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June, re-elected Roberta Metsola as its President. She will serve in this position for the next two and a half years.