On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen secured a second term as the President of the European Commission, but it’s clear that she will be facing a very different landscape than when she first took office in 2019. With new challenges and opportunities emerging in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shifting geopolitical dynamics, von der Leyen will have her work cut out for her in the coming years.
Von der Leyen’s reappointment comes at a crucial time for the European Union, as the bloc grapples with the economic fallout from the pandemic, rising tensions with Russia and China, and the ongoing debate over the future of Europe’s relationship with the United States. In her first term, von der Leyen focused on issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and social justice, but now she will need to navigate a more complex and uncertain global landscape.
One of the biggest challenges facing von der Leyen in her second term will be managing the EU’s relationship with China. The EU has increasingly found itself caught in the middle of the escalating tensions between the United States and China, as both superpowers vie for influence in Europe. Von der Leyen will need to strike a delicate balance between maintaining the EU’s economic ties with China while also standing up for European values and interests.
Another key issue that von der Leyen will need to address is the future of transatlantic relations. With the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States, there is an opportunity for the EU to reset its relationship with its American allies. Von der Leyen will need to work closely with the Biden administration to strengthen cooperation on issues such as climate change, trade, and security, while also asserting Europe’s autonomy and independence.
In addition to these external challenges, von der Leyen will also need to focus on internal issues within the EU. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities and inequalities within the bloc, and von der Leyen will need to ensure that the EU’s recovery efforts are inclusive and sustainable. She will also need to address the growing discontent among some member states over issues such as migration, rule of law, and democratic values.
Overall, von der Leyen’s second term as President of the European Commission will be defined by her ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world and to lead the EU through a period of uncertainty and transformation. With her experience and leadership skills, von der Leyen is well-positioned to tackle the challenges ahead and to steer the EU towards a more secure and prosperous future.