Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as the President of the European Commission for a second term, according to Novinite.com. During her first term, von der Leyen focused on climate change and the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her second term, she plans to prioritize defense, the economy, and climate issues. She recently discussed shared challenges with US President Joe Biden and aims to establish a European defense union, create a European Savings and Investment Union, update competition policy, and propose a legally binding target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040. Von der Leyen also plans to expand the European border and coast guard, appoint a commissioner for housing and enlargement, and present a European plan for affordable housing. The nomination process for her team is expected to be completed by early August. [b2dde337]
In a significant move, von der Leyen has appointed commissioners from Spain, Italy, and France to key economic roles within the European Commission, as reported by the Financial Times. These countries advocate for increased joint spending, relaxed budget deficit rules, and enhanced industrial policy, reflecting a shift towards more interventionist economic strategies. This decision comes in response to warnings from former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi regarding the EU's economic competitiveness. Von der Leyen emphasized the ongoing threat of climate change, indicating that her administration will continue to prioritize environmental issues alongside economic reforms. Additionally, Poland's Piotr Serafin has been appointed to oversee the EU budget for the period 2028-34, further shaping the financial landscape of the union. [88338cb3]
Ursula von der Leyen has won a second five-year term as President of the European Commission, according to Webster County Citizen. She received the backing of 401 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), surpassing the 361-vote majority required for re-election. Von der Leyen, a member of the conservative European People's Party, leads a centrist coalition with the Socialists and Democrats and the liberal Renew Europe groups. In her second term, she has pledged to strengthen the EU's defense capability, bolster its industry, and tackle the housing crisis. She also emphasized the EU's support for Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Von der Leyen aims to develop an affordable housing plan, triple the number of border guards, and reinforce the bloc's efforts against disinformation. [f234f019]