Ursula von der Leyen Secures Second Term Amid Global Uncertainty

After a turbulent five-year period marked by a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and a major war in Europe, Ursula von der Leyen has managed to secure European Parliament approval for a second term as the president of the European Commission.

As she embarks on another term, the challenges ahead appear even more daunting. With the war in Ukraine ongoing and the possibility of a second Trump administration, the global landscape is evolving rapidly, presenting new hurdles for Ms. von der Leyen and the European Union.

Internally, the rise of nationalist far-right movements across Europe continues to disrupt the political scene, creating further complexities for the E.U. leadership. Despite facing opposition, Ms. von der Leyen, a German conservative politician, clinched the approval of the Parliament with 401 votes in favor, surpassing the required majority.

Ms. von der Leyen, 65, initially rose to prominence in 2019 when she was unexpectedly chosen as the commission president, despite her relatively low profile and limited experience on the European stage. Her confirmation for a second term underscores her resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of E.U. politics.