POLITICO

The European Parliament reelected Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday for another five-year term as president of the European Commission, 401 to 284, exceeding the required threshold of 360 votes.

Euronews

This comfortable result comes as she held several closed-door meetings over the past days with groups such as the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and the Greens.

Associated Press

Von der Leyen, whose Christian Democratic Union belongs to the center-right European People's Party (EPP), called her reelection a victory for the pro-EU, pro-Ukraine and pro-rule of law camp in the European Parliament.

Ahead of the vote, she presented a 31-page policy proposal setting out her priorities in a second term — to boost investment for "green, digital, and social transition" and to create a European Defense Union.

Financial Times

She further pledged to appoint new commissioners for defense, EU enlargement, housing and the Mediterranean region, as well as to establish a Europe-wide air defense system and cyber protection as projects of "common interest."

BBC News

Meanwhile, former Portuguese socialist Prime Minister António Costa and Estonia's outgoing Prime Minister Kaja Kallas are set to become the head of the European Council and the EU's top diplomat, respectively, later this year.

Following intense questioning by the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen was successfully re-elected as president of the European Commission in a decisive vote on Thursday.

The European Parliament elected Ms. van der Leyen with a strong majority of 401 votes, ensuring stability and continuity for the 27-member bloc. There were 284 votes opposing, 15 abstentions, and seven votes that were invalid.

Associated Press #3984

Following the far right's significant gains in the European Parliament election in June, her reelection was far from guaranteed. Analysts viewed the secret ballot as a significant threat. However, she passed with a larger margin this time than she did in 2019. 

France 24

Earlier Thursday, von der Leyen presented her second term priorities in a 31-page policy paper. She promised to boost the EU economy, policy, and borders to fight migration. She vowed to "never let the extreme polarization of our societies become accepted," defending the democratic "European way of life."

BBC News #

After the vote, Ms. van der Leyen said, "You can imagine this is a very emotional and special moment for me," calling the vote a vote of confidence. Ms. von der Leyen pledged to raise the European military budget and meet climate goals.

CNN #

Von der Leyen also promised to "turbo charge investment" for the EU's "green, digital, and social transition." She also said she would appoint a commissioner for defense, proposing a Europe-wide air defense system and cyber protection, all made necessary because of Russia's war in Ukraine.

0Before the vote, von der Leyen received the backing of the three big groups, the conservatives, the Social Democrats, and the Liberals in the European Parliament. However, several MPs in these groups had said they would not support her. Von der Leyen was able to secure the vote because of the backing from the Green Group. While the Greens may not agree with all of van der Leyen's policies, they supported her to keep the extreme right from influence and power. A pro-Europe democratic majority will ensure stability.

Guardian

Guardian #

Ursula von der Leyen wins second term as European Commission president

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