Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected as European Commission President with Focus on Defence and Green Transition

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected for a second term after promising to establish a 'defence union' and push forward with Europe's green transition. Members of the European Parliament supported her re-election with 401 votes in favor and 284 against.

In Strasbourg, von der Leyen outlined her focus on prosperity and security amid challenges such as Russia's war in Ukraine, global economic competition, and climate change. She stressed the necessity of the 'Green Deal' to transform the EU economy, a crucial pledge for Green lawmakers, who joined other groups to back her candidacy.

Von der Leyen pledged to create a European Defence Union and criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin. She also committed to a legally-binding EU target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040 and promised measures to support European industries in reducing emissions.

(With inputs from agencies.)