New Leadership for the European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen’s Second Term and the Evolution of EU Politics
European leaders announced on Thursday the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as head of the European Commission as part of a reshuffling of prominent EU positions. Von der Leyen, a German conservative leader, will have to be confirmed by an absolute majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), but the outcome of the vote in mid-July is uncertain due to shifts in political coalitions within the European Parliament following the strong surge of the extreme right in June elections.
Meanwhile, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was named as a steadfast opponent of the Kremlin to succeed Spaniard Josep Borrell and expressed her gratitude for this significant responsibility. Additionally, former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa was named as the new president of the European Council, succeeding Belgian Charles Michel.
These appointments were widely anticipated and well-received by various European leaders who finalized agreements ahead of the Brussels summit following alliances between different groups. However, Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the arrangement, calling it “shameful” and accusing right-wing groups of forming deceptive coalitions with left-wing and liberal parties.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni abstained on von der Leyen’s appointment and voted against Kallas and Costa, expressing concerns about an “oligarchy” in EU decision-making. Meanwhile, other countries are looking forward to working with von der Leyen to address key priorities such as security, defense, competitiveness, and immigration policies.
The reshuffling of key EU positions reflects a changing political landscape in Europe following recent elections and alliances. As Europe moves forward with its priorities for the next five years, it is clear that there will be challenges ahead that require strong leadership from those at the top.
In conclusion, Ursula von der Leyen has been appointed as head of the European Commission for a second term after being widely anticipated by various EU leaders who finalized agreements ahead of Brussels summit following alliances between different groups. While some countries have expressed concerns about an “oligarchy” in EU decision-making and others have accused right-wing groups of forming deceptive coalitions with left-wing and liberal parties, other countries are looking forward to working with von der Leyen to address key priorities such as security, defense, competitiveness
