About: Ursula von der Leyen
Macron’s MEPs try to make a name for themselves
Internal discipline, "cordon sanitaire" against nationalist parties, assertiveness on environmental matters. So far, Macron's deputies in the European Parliament have shown a conception of European politics that breaks from French tradition. EURACTIV France reports.
Von der Leyen pressed to deliver on climate after winning EU vote
The European Parliament confirmed Ursula von der Leyen as the first women president of the European Commission in a nail-biting vote on Tuesday (16 July) that put climate change centre stage. EURACTIV's media partner Climate Home News reports.
Merkel’s favoured successor to become defence minister
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's favoured successor and the head of her CDU party will become the country's next defence minister, an official statement said Tuesday (16 July), after Ursula von der Leyen was elected European Commission president.
Top EU jobs: Is there a ‘cordon sanitaire’ against Central Europeans?
There are speculations that the next European Commission will have three vice-presidents, but none of them is from Central and Eastern Europe, writes Piotr Maciej Kaczyński.
Von der Leyen confirmed as new Commission president by paper-thin majority
Updates with von der Leyen’s first press conference The European Parliament confirmed on Tuesday (16 July) Ursula von der Leyen by a paper-thin majority as the new European Commission president, giving her the reins of the EU executive for the...
Von der Leyen likely to be confirmed as she wins majority of Socialists
A large majority of Socialist MEPs were ready to support Ursula von der Leyen to become the next president of European Commission, paving the way for her confirmation during the vote scheduled for Tuesday evening (16 July).
Von der Leyen leans on gender balance in quest for Commission presidency
In her first speech before the European Parliament on Tuesday (16 July), Ursula von der Leyen made gender equality a cornerstone of her case to be appointed as the first female European Commission president. And she received support for that from across the political spectrum.
Selmayr’s departure: Just in time for von der Leyen’s election?
European Commission Secretary-General Martin Selmayr, whose sudden promotion angered MEPs last year and earned a rebuke from the European Ombudsman, will step down from his post next week, a spokeswoman for the EU executive said on Tuesday (16 July).
Von der Leyen woos Socialists, Greens, upsets her own EPP
The speech by Commission President designate Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday (16 July) in front of the MEPs before their vote to confirm or reject her nomination was hailed as a major step forward both by S&D and the Greens, but raised eyebrows in the EPP ranks.
Suspense: Will EU Commission nominee survive Parliament vote?
This is the question on everyone's lips as EU Commission President nominee Ursula von der Leyen faces a confirmation vote in the European Parliament on Tuesday (16 July). While some political groups are openly against her, others are divided, for different reasons.
Von der Leyen’s nomination is a betrayal of democracy
Ursula von der Leyen may be a relatively unknown name in Europe but we Germans are familiar with her work, most recently as the country’s Defence Minister, writes Martin Schirdewan.
Bulgarian EPP deputy: Don’t take vote for Ursula von der Leyen for granted
Part of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) has serious doubts about Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for President of the European Commission and may not support her, Bulgarian MEP Radan Kanev told news website EUelectionsBulgaria.com.
EPP set to lose influence in von der Leyen Commission
If Ursula von der Leyen is approved as European Commission president this week, her own centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) may actually lose influence in the next EU executive, given the political affiliation of the candidates likely to form the bulk of her senior staff.
Von der Leyen’s bid for EU top job in the balance
Will it be business as usual or a summer of stalemate?
German Socialists list von der Leyen failures in damning paper to EU peers
Germany's Social Democrats have circulated a damning paper to their European political group in which they call Ursula von der Leyen an "inadequate and inappropriate candidate" to lead the European Commission ahead of a vote on her nomination next week.
New EU chief nominee says Brexit could be delayed – again
Ursula von der Leyen, the nominee to be the next EU Commission president, said Wednesday (10 July) that Brexit could be delayed for a third time, but warned London it must take responsiblity for "sorting out" its tortured departure from the bloc.
EU Commission nominee backs 50% carbon cut by 2030, fails to win Greens’ support
Ursula von der Leyen said Europe should become the world’s first climate neutral continent, as she sought lawmakers’ backing for the top job on Wednesday (10 July). EURACTIV's media partner Climate Home News reports.
Von der Leyen endures day of grilling by MEPs ahead of confirmation vote
German nominee for Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, continued her charm offensive with European political families on Wednesday (10 July), as MEPs tried hard to pin her down on climate protection, rule of law and reform of the bloc's institutional structures.
Sassoli ‘reasonably optimistic’ for von der Leyen vote
The European Parliament's new president, David Sassoli, is “reasonably optimistic” about the vote on whether to confirm Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission president next week, EU sources told EURACTIV.com.
Greens set conditions to approve nominee von der Leyen
The European Greens have set tough conditions for giving their approval to designated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who started her charm offensive among political parties in Brussels on Monday (7 July), ahead of next week's vote in the European Parliament.
German conservative boss warns coalition partners on Europe
The woman in pole position to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor warned her junior coalition partners against blocking the appointment of a German to head the European Commission, saying this would put their coalition under "maximum strain".
Chizhov: Washington chose to act unilaterally to abrogate nuclear arms treaty
In a wide-ranging interview, Russia's Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov, speaks about nuclear arms control, the EU elections and top jobs, the situation in Ukraine, including the MH17, and America's bid to challenge Russian gas.
New EU chief seeks ‘smart advice’ on first trip to Brussels
EU Commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday (4 July) made her first trip to Brussels since being nominated, as senior officials sought to shore up support for her appointment in the European Parliament.