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

Brussels to finalize negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU by summer

The head of the European Commission says that Brussels intends to present a framework for negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU by early summer.

Politics • February 21, 05:33 PM • 25216 views

Ukraine will win and will be in the EU: Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred

Ursula von der Leyen honored the memory of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes who died during the 2014 revolution and emphasized that Ukraine will become a member of the European Union.

Politics • February 20, 08:32 AM • 21789 views

Von der Leyen will run for a second term as President of the European Commission

Von der Leyen has announced that she will run for a second term as president of the European Commission.

News of the World • February 19, 12:45 PM • 21077 views

EU launches military operation in the Red Sea

The EU launches a naval operation called "Aspides" to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and respond to Houthi militant attacks in Yemen.

News of the World • February 19, 11:10 AM • 24311 views

Von der Leyen outlined four aspects of the EU's defense strategy

Ursula von der Leyen identifies four key aspects of the EU's future arms strategy: increased defense spending, joint procurement, strengthening the European defense industry, and coordination with Ukraine.

War in Ukraine • February 18, 12:25 AM • 36926 views

Difficult relations with German political parties may influence Ursula von der Leyen's refusal to take up the European Green Deal initiatives

Controversy with German entrepreneurs over Green Deal initiatives could affect Ursula von der Leyen's programme when she is re-elected president of the European Commission.

News of the World • February 16, 05:54 PM • 28304 views

The EU is looking for ways to increase defense production: Von der Leyen offers experience in fighting COVID-19

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Brussels should encourage the European defense industry to consolidate and increase production.

Economy • February 16, 10:09 AM • 25570 views

New EU sanctions package to mark war anniversary targets Russian military and technology companies - Euractiv

The EU is expected to impose new sanctions on Russian technology and military companies, including those supplying munitions from North Korea, as part of the 13th package of sanctions to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

War in Ukraine • February 9, 11:27 AM • 28324 views

IMF warns that European governments may regret supporting protesting farmers

The IMF Managing Director said that European governments should be more resistant to demands to increase financial support for protesting farmers.

News of the World • February 2, 03:12 PM • 23114 views

Tusk's government intends to cancel court cases against EU climate change policies

Poland withdraws lawsuits against EU climate change policy filed by the previous Law and Justice government.

News of the World • February 2, 01:02 PM • 22571 views

Biden thanks EU leader for supporting Ukraine

Biden thanked von der Leyen for the EU's allocation of €50 billion in additional financial assistance to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

News of the World • February 1, 11:45 PM • 24883 views

Ursula von der Leyen and President Biden discuss the situation in Ukraine in a telephone conversation

Ursula von der Leyen and President Biden agreed to continue to provide broad support to Ukraine, discussing the situation and the €50 billion European financial assistance package during a phone call.

News of the World • February 1, 08:46 PM • 24356 views

Politico: EU able to agree on €50 billion program for Ukraine thanks to compromise with Hungary

European leaders consider the concessions insignificant, as they avoided a scenario in which Orban would be able to veto funding for Ukraine every year.

Politics • February 1, 12:53 PM • 26002 views

The European Commission proposed to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine for a year, but with "protection" for farmers in the EU

The European Commission has proposed to extend the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, while proposing measures to protect sensitive EU agricultural products.

Economy • January 31, 10:45 AM • 28480 views