Ursula von der Leyen Reelected as President of the European Commission

Ursula von der Leyen, often referred to as the "queen of Europe," has been reelected as president of the European Commission for another five-year term. Her reelection comes at a critical juncture marked by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the rising influence of far-right political movements across Europe. Von der Leyen is recognized for her efforts to stabilize the political landscape during these challenging times. In a discussion led by host Anne McElvoy, insights were shared by Jamil Anderlini, Editor-in-Chief of POLITICO, and Jakob Hanke Vela, who is set to launch POLITICO’s new DC Decoded newsletter in Washington. The conversation focused on the implications of von der Leyen's leadership in the context of transatlantic relations, particularly how the upcoming U.S. presidential election could impact European politics and the EU's strategic direction. The dialogue also included perspectives from Virginijus Sinkevičius, a former European commissioner for the environment and now a member of the European Parliament. Sinkevičius, who has recently transitioned to a vice president role within the Green group, provided insider insights into von der Leyen's administration and the EU's environmental policies. As von der Leyen embarks on her new term, the interplay between European stability and American political dynamics remains a focal point for observers, highlighting the interconnectedness of global governance in an era of uncertainty.