On 6 March 2024, the European Commission published a report entitled “The story of the Ursula von der Leyen Commission”.[1] With this report, the activities of the European Union (EU) under Ursula von der Leyen on important issues such as the EU’s response to the pandemic, green and digital transformation efforts, and strengthening its global role are presented.
Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected by the conservative European People’s Party (EPP), the largest power in the European Parliament, as a candidate for a second term as President of the European Commission,[2] Born in 1958, he is a German politician. He started his political career in Germany and served as a member of the German Bundestag between 2009-2019. He also held various ministerial positions and played an active role as a member of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). He has a medical background and has a doctorate. As President of the European Commission from 2019 to 2024, he has set six main goals: The European Green Deal, a Europe ready for the digital age, an inclusive economy, a stronger global presence for Europe, the promotion of European values and a renewed focus on European democracy.[3] President Von der Leyen represents the Commission at European Council meetings, G7 and G20 summits, summits of other non-EU states and key debates in the European Parliament and the Council.
In its vision for 2019-2024, the European Commission emphasises unity in the face of global uncertainties. Europe aims to lead the transition to a sustainable planet and digital economy, while prioritising inclusion, equality and the protection of shared values. There is a call to be proud of ambition and achievements despite strengths in employment and economic development. Co-operation with the European Parliament and alignment with strategic agendas are important. Overall, the Commission aims to capitalise on Europe’s potential to address internal and external challenges and to strive for more at home for global leadership. [4] The European Commission’s five-year vision is focussed on unity amid global uncertainties. It prioritises inclusiveness and shared values and aims to lead in the areas of sustainability and the digital economy. Co-operation with the European Parliament and alignment with strategic agendas were important.
The European Commission has implemented a number of strategies to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. Several measures were taken to sustain health, economic and social well-being. Firstly, it aimed to protect the health of citizens through rapid vaccine development and distribution. In addition, cross-border mobility was facilitated by lifting travel bans with new tools such as the EU Digital Covid Certificate. This situation supported the transition of citizens to the normalisation process. In addition, emergency measures were taken to reduce unemployment risks in economic terms. For example, instruments such as the Support to Reduce Unemployment Risks in Emergency (SURE) supported millions of citizens and prevented business closures. Globally, the Commission has promoted global solidarity through significant contributions to COVAX and initiatives such as the Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator). It has aimed to prepare for health crises and strengthen health systems through initiatives such as the European Health Alliance. In addition to initiatives such as the EU Digital Covid Certificate, their focus on vaccine development and fair distribution has been very effective during the pandemic. The Commission’s support measures such as “SURE” have mitigated financial setbacks. The European Commission’s five-year vision is focussed on unity amid global uncertainties. It prioritises inclusiveness and shared values and aims to lead in the areas of sustainability and the digital economy. Co-operation with the European Parliament and alignment with strategic agendas were important.
The European Commission has implemented a number of strategies to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. Several measures were taken to sustain health, economic and social well-being. Firstly, it aimed to protect the health of citizens through rapid vaccine development and distribution. In addition, cross-border mobility was facilitated by lifting travel bans with new tools such as the EU Digital Covid Certificate. This situation supported the transition of citizens to the normalisation process. In addition, emergency measures were taken to reduce unemployment risks in economic terms. For example, instruments such as the Support to Reduce Unemployment Risks in Emergency (SURE) supported millions of citizens and prevented business closures. Globally, the Commission has promoted global solidarity through significant contributions to COVAX and initiatives such as the Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator). It has aimed to prepare for health crises and strengthen health systems through initiatives such as the European Health Alliance. In addition to initiatives such as the EU Digital Covid Certificate, their focus on vaccine development and fair distribution has been very effective during the pandemic. The Commission’s support measures such as “SURE” have mitigated financial setbacks.
The European Commission has made significant efforts to strengthen Europe’s resilience, security and defence capabilities in the face of a changing strategic environment. This includes enhancing the physical security of critical infrastructure, combating organised crime and terrorism both offline and online, countering disinformation, improving cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies, strengthening the governance of the Schengen area, deepening the partnership with NATO and mobilising the defence industry. These initiatives reflect a determination to ensure the safety and security of European citizens in the midst of complex security challenges. The inclusion of specific measures such as the Resilience of Critical Installations Directive and the European Defence Fund demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the Commission’s strategic priorities. Overall, this reflects a nuanced understanding of European security dynamics and the Commission’s position in addressing current security challenges.
In response to Moscow’s energy threat during the Russia-Ukraine War, the EU implemented a comprehensive strategy to deal with the energy crisis: It reduced its dependence on Russian gas and switched to other energy sources. Expansion of renewable energy to reduce gas use by 18 per cent. Accelerated the installation of wind and solar energy to generate electricity. Increased its bargaining power by creating a common gas supply with the EU Energy Platform. Achieved energy independence from Russian fossil fuels, ensuring security, resilience and accessibility.
The Commission strengthened Europe’s disaster response mechanism against disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes and medical emergencies. Initiatives such as the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU provide rapid assistance with more than €3 billion since 2019. Europe’s fire-fighting fleet has assisted in crises across the continent and even in Canada. With 232 Humanitarian Air Bridge operations coordinated since 2020, the EU is responding to emergencies both within the Union and globally.
The European Green Deal was a comprehensive strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. It has promoted a clean economy and sustainable investments, as well as social justice through measures such as the Fair Transition Fund. The EU is a pioneer in sustainable finance and has addressed global issues such as carbon leakage through the Carbon Offset Mechanism. Overall, the European Green Deal sets out a roadmap for a greener and more prosperous future for Europe and the world.
The EU has made significant strides in digital leadership, with a focus on delivering benefits for citizens and businesses while minimising risks. Investments in fibre optics and 5G have also extended to rural areas. The Digital Services Act emphasised platform responsibilities, highlighting fundamental principles and user rights online. The Digital Markets Act ensured fair competition and transparency. The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act focussed on high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, protecting trust while encouraging innovation. The Data Act also aimed to promote data sharing and increase the competitiveness of the cloud market. Strategic investments in fibre optic and 5G infrastructure have not only bridged the urban-rural digital divide, but also equipped the workforce with essential digital skills and contributed to economic growth and inclusion.
Europe has prioritised industrial competitiveness through strategic investment, regulatory support and international cooperation. Initiatives such as the European Chip Law and the Critical Raw Materials Law aimed to secure key resources and promote domestic production. This approach has strengthened the EU’s economic security and global leadership in clean energy, while reinforcing resilience to geographical threats.
The Von der Leyen Commission focussed on building a social market economy while emphasising workers’ skills and well-being. It invested primarily in education and took important steps to stabilise wages at the same time. It has made it easier to achieve this goal by improving working conditions, especially in emerging areas such as platform work. They have also promoted wage transparency, childcare support for families in need and diversity in corporate leadership. They have also fought discrimination to create a more inclusive society in which everyone can play an active role.
The European Commission’s approach to irregular migration includes strengthening external border control, speeding up asylum procedures and clarifying Member States’ responsibilities. A flexible solidarity mechanism encourages co-operation, while partnerships with third states focus on root causes. The aim is to balance humanitarian principles with effective migration management, enhancing the EU’s security and stability while ensuring compliance with international obligations. Overall, these steps have mitigated the challenges posed by irregular migration. By focusing on the root causes and ensuring compliance with international requirements, the European Commission has created a more sustainable and effective migration management system in Europe.
The Commission has also made it a core policy to defend democracy and strengthen the rule of law in the EU. It has taken steps such as protecting media freedom and pluralism by legislating against threats such as foreign interference and disinformation. The introduction of implementing mechanisms, such as the Annual Rule of Law Report and the Budget Conditionality Mechanism, demonstrates a firm commitment to safeguard democratic principles in all Member States.
The Von der Leyen Commission has strengthened Europe’s position globally through strategic alliances and initiatives. Cooperation efforts with global partners, including Africa and the United States, have strengthened the EU’s role in areas such as climate action, trade and technology. Initiatives such as the Global Gateway have demonstrated the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and job creation around the world, reinforcing Europe’s reputation as a reliable partner and increasing its influence on the world stage.
[1] “Keeping our promise to Europe: The story of the von der Leyen Commission”, European Commission, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/37fb50d6-73e1-426c-bd4a-87c44c8763d9_en?filename=Keeping-our-promise-to-Europe_brochure.pdf, (Date of Acces: 09.03.2024).
[2] “EPP Congress elects its lead candidate for European Commission President”, European People’s Party, https://www.epp.eu/news/epp-congress-elects-its-lead-candidate-for-european-commission-president, (Date of Acces: 09.03.2024).
[3] “Biography”, European Commission, https://education.ec.europa.eu/node/2282, (Date of Acces: 09.03.2024).
[4] “Political guıdelines for the next European Commission 2019-2024”, European Commission, (Date of Acces: 10.03.2024).
