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Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen (née Albrecht) was born on October 8, 1958, in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. She studied economics at the Universities of Göttingen, Münster, and the London School of Economics, and then medicine at the Hannover Medical School, where she received her medical license in 1987 and her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1991. In 2001, she also earned a Master's degree in Public Health. Ursula von der Leyen began her political career by holding ministerial positions in the German government, including Minister for Family Affairs, Labour, and Social Affairs, and the first female Minister of Defence. Since 2019, she has been the President of the European Commission, being the first woman to hold this position.
2003
Appointed Minister for Social Affairs, Women, Family, and Health of Lower Saxony
2013
Became the first female Minister of Defence of Germany
2019
Elected the first female President of the European Commission
2019
Launched the European Green Deal for the transformation of the EU
2021
Led the EU's strategy for vaccine procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic
2022
The Commission announced work on establishing an International Criminal Tribunal for the Russian Federation
2024
Re-elected President of the European Commission for a second term
2025
Announced the allocation of 100 billion euros from the EU budget for the reconstruction of Ukraine
News by theme
Bulgaria opposes EU sanctions against the head of the ROC, Kirill

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry called the restrictions against the head of the ROC symbolic and counterproductive. The country also does not support part of the energy sanctions in the EU's 21st package.

Politics • June 17, 02:00 PM • 2604 views
Zelenskyy and EU leaders discussed the schedule for opening five new clusters and the first tranche of financial support

Zelenskyy discussed with EU leaders the schedule for opening the next five clusters and a new sanctions package. Ukraine expects to receive the first financial tranche this month.

Economy • June 16, 07:40 PM • 4558 views
G7 leaders proposed "strong ideas on how to force Russia to peace," and the US is ready to provide a backstop for a number of discussed measures – ZelenskyyVideo

Zelenskyy discussed strengthening air defense and pressure on Russia with G7 leaders. The US is ready to provide support for the implementation of all peace agreements.

Politics • June 16, 12:02 PM • 3920 views
Zelenskyy discussed anti-ballistic licenses with Trump; G7 promised aid and supported pressure on Russia

Zelenskyy discussed strengthening air defense and licenses for anti-ballistic systems with the G7. Partners will provide a winter energy package and assist with reconstruction.

Politics • June 16, 11:55 AM • 43358 views
Allies at G7 summit will urge Trump to take a tougher line against Russia, but have concerns - Politico

At the G7 summit, allies will try to persuade Trump to increase pressure on Russia for the sake of peace. The US President, however, may consider the option of negotiations with Putin without Europe's assistance.

Politics • June 16, 07:15 AM • 21704 views
EU to develop its own AI infrastructure to reduce dependence on tech giants – von der Leyen

The EU will create AI gigafactories to train models on public infrastructure. This will help retain promising tech startups within the bloc.

News of the World • June 15, 03:15 PM • 4278 views
EU recorded a record trade deficit with China of 360 billion euros - von der Leyen

In 2025, the EU's trade deficit with China reached a record 360 billion euros. Ursula von der Leyen called for the protection of Brussels' internal market.

Economy • June 15, 02:55 PM • 5913 views
European Commission President welcomed the US-Iran agreements and called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz

Von der Leyen welcomed the US-Iran agreement and called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. She also emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Politics • June 15, 02:45 PM • 4046 views
Ukraine has strengthened its positions, while the Russian war economy is weakening - Ursula von der Leyen

Ukraine has strengthened its positions on the front line, while the Russian economy is weakening due to sanctions. The EU is providing 90 billion euros and opening negotiations on Ukraine's membership.

Politics • June 15, 02:18 PM • 4181 views
World leaders react to Trump's Iran deal, Europe signals potential easing of sanctions

World leaders supported the US-Iran deal. Israel has reportedly not yet signed the agreement and maintains a military presence in so-called "security zones" in Lebanon, as well as in Gaza and Syria.

Politics • June 15, 08:23 AM • 4423 views
EU and G7 react to Russian strike on the Lavra – first statements

Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron condemned the Russian attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The G7 summit will discuss increasing pressure on Russia for the sake of peace.

Politics • June 15, 07:57 AM • 51680 views
"Security challenges from Russia are not for a year or five": Zelenskyy points to new Russian bases and Ukraine's critical role for Europe

Zelenskyy announced the construction of new Russian bases near Europe. He emphasized the importance of Ukraine's experience in the context of defending against Moscow's prolonged aggression.

Politics • June 13, 06:46 PM • 8896 views
Hungary unblocks Ukraine's EU accession talks following new agreement

Kyiv and Budapest have reached an agreement on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia. Hungary has supported the commencement of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations.

Politics • June 13, 10:48 AM • 11605 views
EU to open first cluster of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova on June 15 - European Commission President

All EU member states have agreed to open the first cluster of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15. It covers fundamental issues and reforms.

Politics • June 12, 05:39 PM • 69868 views
Von der Leyen and “Democratic Armenia”: When EU Rhetoric Diverges from the Facts

Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Pashinyan on his victory, ignoring hundreds of electoral violations. OSCE observers recorded instances of bribery and selective justice.

Politics • June 11, 04:39 PM • 5676 views
European Commission unlawfully withheld details of COVID-19 vaccine procurement - EU legal advisor

The EU Court has ruled the concealment of COVID vaccine contract details illegal. The Commission failed to justify the secrecy regarding the names of negotiators and payment terms.

Politics • June 11, 12:10 PM • 3136 views
EU and South Korea state they will never recognize DPRK as a nuclear-weapon state

Brussels and Seoul reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearization of the peninsula and are strengthening defense cooperation. The parties also condemned the military ties between the Russian Federation and the DPRK.

Politics • June 11, 04:50 AM • 4189 views
Entry may be restricted during the 2026 World Cup: US urged Europe to more actively counter the spread of Ebola from Africa

The US is calling on Europe to restrict entry from Africa due to an Ebola outbreak. Otherwise, Washington will tighten travel rules for Europeans traveling to America.

Sports • June 9, 07:16 PM • 4636 views
The European Commission has officially clarified what will be included in the 21st package of sanctions against the Russian Federation

The EU has presented the 21st sanctions package, covering energy, finance, and fisheries. An entry ban has been introduced for all Russian military personnel.

Economy • June 9, 12:58 PM • 2799 views
EU plans entry ban for Russian military personnel

The European Commission plans to ban entry to the EU for all Russian military personnel in a new sanctions package. Ukrainian court verdicts will serve as the evidentiary basis for these restrictions.

War in Ukraine • June 9, 12:23 PM • 3639 views
EU introduced the 21st sanctions package against the Russian Federation – targeting the "shadow fleet," energy, banks, and visas for Russian soldiers

The European Commission presented the 21st sanctions package against the Russian Federation, including measures regarding energy and banks. The restrictions apply to 30 vessels of the shadow fleet and 31 banks.

Politics • June 9, 11:18 AM • 24860 views
Montenegro could become a member of the European Union by 2028: statement by EU leadersPhoto

Montenegro's accession to the EU by 2028 was called a realistic goal at the summit in Tivat. Brussels has already begun preparing the country's accession treaty.

Politics • June 6, 12:15 AM • 11428 views
Fico demands money from the European Commission for weapons transferred to Ukraine

Robert Fico will discuss compensation for assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Ursula von der Leyen. The Prime Minister claims an acute shortage of funds due to the support for Ukraine.

Economy • June 5, 09:26 PM • 10673 views
Serbian Intelligence Services Warn Vučić of Dangers Regarding Trip to Montenegro for EU Leaders' Summit

Serbian intelligence services have warned Vučić of a security threat during the summit in Montenegro. The President plans to visit despite the activities of foreign intelligence agencies.

News of the World • June 4, 09:53 AM • 3827 views
EU prepares sanctions against Chinese companies for aiding Russia - Politico

The EU is preparing sanctions against four Chinese companies for assisting the Russian military. Firms from the UAE, Turkey, and Azerbaijan will also face restrictions.

Politics • June 4, 05:33 AM • 26616 views
Zelenskyy expected at EU summit amid potential breakthrough in accession talks - Euronews

Ukraine expects a breakthrough in EU accession negotiations at the June summit. Hungary may lift its veto by June 16 following an agreement on minority rights.

Politics • June 3, 05:45 AM • 10323 views
Beijing threatens to respond to EU steps to restrict imports from China

Beijing has warned Brussels against imposing restrictions on Chinese imports due to overcapacity. The EU is preparing measures to protect its industry.

Economy • May 30, 04:12 PM • 12870 views
NATO conducts large-scale exercises in Finland amid rising drone activity

In Finland, 9,000 NATO troops are practicing the creation of a 'drone wall. ' The Northern Star exercises are taking place 30 kilometers from the Russian border.

News of the World • May 29, 02:42 PM • 3921 views
Magyar reveals progress of negotiations with Ukraine and denies link between €10bn from EU and opening of clusters

Magyar stated there is progress in negotiations regarding the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine. He denied any link between EU funds and the start of Ukraine's accession to the bloc.

Politics • May 29, 01:36 PM • 8871 views
EU unblocks €10 billion for Hungary following agreement with Péter Magyar

The European Commission has unblocked €10 billion for Hungary for energy and transport. Prime Minister Péter Magyar negotiated the funds before the late August deadline.

Economy • May 29, 01:20 PM • 3827 views