Ursula Von der Leyen aims for second term as European Commission president

Ursula Von der Leyen, the current president of the European Commission, has announced her bid for a second term

The 65-year-old politician, elected to the role in 2019, confirmed her candidacy during a meeting of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Berlin on Monday.

The announcement sets up the stage for the four-month battle for election; speculations are also looming about potential challenges and the Spitzenkandidat process following the EU elections in June.

Who else is a candidate?

There are speculations that Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, could emerge as a candidate, but all eyes are currently on Von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen’s decision comes after mounting concerns over geopolitical challenges, including tensions with Russia and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

During her term, von der Leyen has faced criticism and praise. Some have praised her handling of crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, praising her support for Kyiv against Russian aggression. Others, like German MEP Peter Liese, have raised concerns about her environmental policies, accusing her of prioritising the EU’s green deal at the expense of agricultural sectors.

How will Von Der Leyen gain support?

Despite the challenges, Von Der Leyen remains determined to continue her leadership, mentioning her experience and readiness for the role. Her candidacy has received unanimous backing from the CDU, with party leader Friedrich Merz expressing confidence in her ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Brussels.

However, securing a second term will have its challenges. Von der Leyen must get support from other parties within the European People’s Party (EPP), win a vote at the EPP’s congress in March, and ultimately navigate the complex negotiations that follow the EU elections in June.

The Spitzenkandidat process

The Spitzenkandidat process, which links the selection of the Commission president to the results of the European Parliament elections, adds a layer of complexity to the process.

In her bid for reelection, Von der Leyen is expected to focus on centralising defence efforts within the EU, aiming to reduce reliance on external security guarantees, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding US commitments under a potential Trump administration.

She also intends to address concerns European farmers and climate activists raised, emphasising a willingness to adopt policies to ensure broader support.

As the race for the European Commission presidency continues, attention will also turn to other key positions within Brussels, including the role of chief diplomat and head of the European Council. With geopolitical challenges on the rise and internal divisions to navigate, Von der Leyen’s bid for a second term emphasises the importance of experienced leadership in guiding the future of the European Union.