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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
EU made another attempt before the summit to force Orban to unblock €90 billion loan to Ukraine - what is known

António Costa urged Viktor Orbán to fulfill his December commitments regarding the loan. The EU proposes repairing the Druzhba oil pipeline to break the deadlock.

Economy • March 18, 07:35 AM • 36641 views
Orban will block aid to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline are fully restored

Viktor Orban refuses to unblock financial aid to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies are fully restored. He accuses Kyiv of interference.

Economy • March 17, 04:00 PM • 5847 views
EU stated that it offered financial and technical assistance regarding "Druzhba" and Ukraine accepted the offer

The European Commission will provide Ukraine with funding and technical assistance as part of efforts to restore the oil pipeline's operation. Experts are ready to immediately begin work to restore supplies.

Economy • March 17, 01:00 PM • 20525 views
A number of MEPs condemned Hungary's actions regarding the detention of Ukrainian cash collectors. Official Kyiv reacted

35 MEPs demand the return of the confiscated 75 million dollars and 9 kg of gold. Budapest's actions were called banditry and robbery.

Politics • March 12, 07:47 PM • 7341 views
Von der Leyen called returning to Russian fuel a "strategic mistake"

The President of the European Commission called for adherence to the course of renewable and nuclear energy. Dependence on imports cost the EU 3 billion euros in 10 days.

Economy • March 11, 10:35 AM • 5736 views
Von der Leyen discussed energy and EU funds for Slovakia with Fico

The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of Slovakia discussed energy prices and conditions for receiving investments. The meeting took place against the backdrop of threats to block aid to Ukraine.

Economy • March 10, 12:06 PM • 15038 views
European Commission has no new data on the situation with the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline - EU

The European Commission stated that it currently has no new data regarding oil supplies via the 'Druzhba' pipeline. At the same time, Brussels continues consultations with Ukraine and EU countries that express concerns about possible disruptions, and assures that Europe is prepared for risks through diversification of energy supply.

Economy • March 9, 02:34 PM • 5876 views
Von der Leyen questioned the effectiveness of the unanimity principle and consensus voting in the EU

The President of the European Commission called for a change in the decision-making system due to the blocking of aid to Ukraine. She considers the post-war EU rules ineffective today.

Politics • March 9, 01:59 PM • 4558 views
Orban called on the EU to suspend energy sanctions against Russia due to the oil crisisVideo

The Hungarian Prime Minister appealed to the EU to suspend sanctions against Russian energy. Orban accuses Ukraine of blocking oil supplies.

Economy • March 9, 12:49 PM • 5337 views
Fico threatens to block EU loan for Ukraine and travels to Brussels due to the shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline

The Slovak Prime Minister threatens to halt 90 billion euros in aid to Kyiv due to the cessation of oil transit. Fico demands an immediate resumption of supplies.

News of the World • March 8, 03:18 PM • 6224 views
EU considers financial aid to restore oil supplies via 'Druzhba'

The European Commission is exploring the possibility of financial support to restore oil supplies through the 'Druzhba' pipeline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will discuss this issue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Economy • March 6, 03:35 PM • 65180 views
Politico: model for Ukraine's accelerated accession in EU 'have been scuttled'

EU ambassadors stated that member states would not accept the 'membership first, then integration' model for Ukraine. This resistance blocks the model that the European Commission had been promoting for Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2027.

Politics • March 6, 11:26 AM • 29235 views
Fico and Zelenskyy meeting - Slovak Prime Minister voiced a condition

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is ready to meet with Zelenskyy after talks with Ursula von der Leyen. He demands that Ukraine allow inspection and resume transit of Russian oil.

Politics • March 5, 10:15 AM • 13530 views
European Commission President discussed loan, sanctions, and impact of Middle East events on energy prices with Zelenskyy

Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed a loan for Ukraine, the 20th sanctions package, and the impact of events in the Middle East on energy prices. Energy security and the availability of defense materials were also discussed.

Politics • March 3, 04:51 PM • 6221 views
Ukraine faces resistance to accelerated EU accession - Reuters

Ukraine's desire for accelerated accession to the European Union has met with resistance from EU governments unwilling to open a "Pandora's box" of problems. President Zelenskyy seeks accession by 2027 as part of a peace agreement, but member states express skepticism.

Politics • March 3, 03:45 PM • 75666 views
France to send warship to Cyprus, Britain considering it - how Europe reacts to the war in the Middle East

France will send a warship to Cyprus to strengthen air defense after a drone attack on a British base. Great Britain is considering sending the destroyer HMS Duncan to protect the Akrotiri airbase.

News of the World • March 3, 03:00 PM • 6721 views
EU urges Ukraine to grant access to Druzhba for Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia - FT

Ukraine is under pressure from the EU to allow inspection of the damaged Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv claims significant damage from a Russian airstrike, but Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately blocking it.

Politics • March 3, 01:07 PM • 67576 views
Zelenskyy held over 30 international meetings and 11 phone calls in February

In February, President Zelenskyy held 31 international meetings and 11 phone calls, visited Munich, and hosted leaders of partner countries in Kyiv.

Politics • March 2, 06:39 PM • 9648 views
Ursula von der Leyen convenes special security meeting over Iran crisis

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is convening a special meeting of the College of Commissioners on security on March 2 due to the situation in Iran. She emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation due to Iran's attacks.

Politics • February 28, 06:10 PM • 10463 views
EU considers options to secure €90 billion loan to Ukraine amid Hungarian blockade - European Commission

The European Commission is discussing with the European Parliament and member states options to secure a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. This is happening against the backdrop of Budapest's blockade, despite prior agreement, confirmed European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho.

Politics • February 25, 03:52 PM • 4567 views
Zelenskyy named one of the most important outcomes of the meeting with EU leaders in Kyiv

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the European Commission's commitment to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure one of the most important outcomes of the meetings. The European Commission will support the repair and strengthening of the energy grid's protection before next winter.

Economy • February 25, 08:49 AM • 4643 views
Energy "Ramstein" meeting to be held in March - Shmyhal

The Minister of Energy announced that a meeting of the energy "Ramstein" will take place in March. The European Union has allocated 920 million euros to support Ukraine.

Economy • February 24, 06:23 PM • 28150 views
Ukraine to determine terms for resuming 'Druzhba' - von der Leyen

During the repair period of 'Druzhba', oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary will be carried out via an alternative route through Croatia.

War in Ukraine • February 24, 04:59 PM • 4053 views
Energy support for Ukraine: von der Leyen announced a 100 million euro aid package and a 920 million euro "winter plan"

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced three areas of support for Ukraine, including a 90 billion euro loan for defense needs. The EU will also provide 100 million euros for energy and has developed a winter plan for 920 million euros.

Economy • February 24, 04:36 PM • 3330 views
Ukraine's accession to the EU in 2027: von der Leyen answered whether it is realistic

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine is on the right path to EU membership. She noted the high pace of reforms, despite the war, but did not name specific dates for accession.

Politics • February 24, 04:07 PM • 4366 views
EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia will be adopted, it's a matter of time - European Commission President

The European Union is working on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, and its adoption is a matter of time. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that decisions are made unanimously.

Politics • February 24, 03:59 PM • 3462 views
Kyiv to host meetings of the Coalition of the Willing and the "Ukraine - Nordic and Baltic Countries" summit

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's spokesperson announced two events planned for the 4th anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Society • February 24, 07:43 AM • 11525 views
European leaders arrived in Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasionPhoto

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight arrived in Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed them in the capital.

Politics • February 24, 07:05 AM • 29988 views
European Commission President arrived in Kyiv and emphasized unwavering support for UkraineVideo

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on February 24, for the tenth time since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. She emphasized Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine.

Politics • February 24, 06:19 AM • 4836 views
Orban, ahead of elections, seems ready to take increasing risks by blocking the entire EU support package for Ukraine - Politico

Hungary threatens to block the EU's support package for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan, due to disputes over energy supplies. This could leave Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa without EU solutions for Ukraine during their visit on the anniversary of the war.

Politics • February 23, 09:10 AM • 6680 views