Ursula von der Leyen Reelected Amidst EU Challenges
Ursula von der Leyen secures second term as President of the European Commission amidst a divided European Parliament and significant policy promises.
Published July 19, 2024 - 00:07am
![http://elkhabar.com/media/uploads/images/2024-07-1817:36:44.987852-europe.webp](http://elkhabar.com/media/uploads/images/2024-07-1817:36:44.987852-europe.webp)
Image recovered from elkhabar.com
Ursula von der Leyen was reelected as President of the European Commission on Thursday, securing a second term following a crucial vote. The German conservative received 401 votes in favor, surpassing the 361 needed for a majority in the 720-member European Parliament. Her election amid a polarized parliament highlights the complex dynamics at play within the European Union.
Leading up to the vote, von der Leyen delivered a comprehensive one-hour speech aimed at addressing the diverse and at times contradictory aspirations of various political groups represented in the council. With a focused agenda that spans climate change, economic competitiveness, and social equity, she aims to streamline the Union's approach to contemporary challenges.
Key to her reelection campaign was her promise to prioritize the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, coupled with a strategy to invigorate significant industrial and defense investments across member states. Additionally, von der Leyen put forth a vision for a 'Clean Industries Plan' to lower energy costs. Recognizing the financial strains on many European families, she proposed a 'Affordable Housing Plan' to increase accessibility for low-income households, appointing a commissioner specifically for this issue for the first time.
While von der Leyen's reelection was decisive, it came after intense closed-door negotiations, where she engaged with major parliamentary groups to ensure maximum support. Her central-right affiliations with the European People's Party (EPP) did not guarantee an easy win, evidenced by the close margins in the previous 2019 election.
However, von der Leyen's leadership is not without its controversies. The European Commission under her direction faced criticism and legal challenges over the handling of COVID-19 vaccine procurement agreements. A recent court ruling determined that the Commission had inadequately provided public access to these contracts, which ignited further scrutiny over her accountability and transparency. The Commission has been given two months and ten days to appeal this decision to the European Court of Justice.
Adding to the complexity of her second term, von der Leyen has spoken out on international matters, advocating for an immediate cessation of the escalated violence in Gaza. Addressing the European Parliament, she condemned the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's response to Hamas attacks, which has seen significant civilian casualties. Her call for a sustained ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages underscores her commitment to upholding human rights as a central tenet of EU policy.
In a deeply divided parliament, von der Leyen's ability to navigate through heightened political tension and address the pressing issues facing the EU will be crucial. Her reelection is seen both as a consolidation of her previous term's efforts and a testament to the need for consistent leadership amidst ongoing regional and global challenges. Going forward, her administration is expected to steer the European Union through ambitious environmental targets, economic revitalization projects, and contentious sociopolitical landscapes.