Ursula von der Leyen Re-Elected as EU Commission President Amid Crises

Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected by the European Parliament for a second five-year term as president of the European Union's executive commission. Her re-election ensures leadership continuity amid various crises, including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and migration. Von der Leyen secured a comfortable majority with 401 votes in favor.

Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected by the European Parliament, securing a second five-year term as president of the European Union's executive commission. The re-election, announced Thursday, was met with raised fists in victory from von der Leyen as she pledged to be a strong leader for Europe amid ongoing crises, including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and migration challenges.

Von der Leyen received 401 out of 707 votes, ensuring a comfortable majority and averting a leadership vacuum in the 27-nation bloc. Her victory speech emphasized unity against political extremism, commitment to EU economy and climate policies, and support for Ukraine. Notably, the secret ballot followed significant gains by the far-right in the recent EU Parliament elections.

Her win enables continuity in EU leadership as it navigates complex issues. Ursula von der Leyen, praised for her role during the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces the challenge of steering the EU through upcoming crises. Meanwhile, the bloc's leaders agreed on appointing Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas to key diplomatic roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)