Who is shaping the future of the European Union in 2025? Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to serve as President of the European Commission, continues to be a pivotal figure in global politics. From steering the EU through Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating tense trade relations with China, her leadership has sparked both admiration and criticism. In this comprehensive guide, we explore Ursula von der Leyen’s journey, her 2025 priorities, and her influence on EU policies. Whether you’re curious about her background or her latest moves, this article covers everything you need to know about the European Commission President.
Who Is Ursula von der Leyen?
Ursula von der Leyen, born October 8, 1958, in Brussels, Belgium, is a German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Raised bilingually in German and French, she grew up in a family steeped in European politics—her father, Ernst Albrecht, was a prominent European civil servant. After studying medicine and earning a degree, von der Leyen entered politics in the 1990s, joining the CDU and rising through its ranks.
Her political career in Germany included key roles under Chancellor Angela Merkel:
- Federal Minister of Family Affairs and Youth (2005–2009): She focused on family policies and social welfare.
- Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs (2009–2013): She cultivated a reputation as the CDU’s “social conscience,” pushing for centre-ground policies.
- Federal Minister of Defence (2013–2019): As Germany’s first female defence minister, she faced challenges like procurement scandals and criticism over military readiness.
In 2019, von der Leyen became the European Commission President, a role she was re-elected to in July 2024, leading until 2029. Her tenure has been marked by bold initiatives, but not without controversy.
Ursula von der Leyen’s Journey to EU Leadership
Von der Leyen’s path to the top of EU politics is a story of resilience and strategic alliances. After moving to Germany in 1971, she joined the CDU in 1990 and became active in Lower Saxony politics. By 2003, she was part of Angela Merkel’s shadow cabinet, drafting social welfare reforms. Her appointment as Germany’s defence minister in 2013 was a turning point, though marred by scandals, including plagiarism allegations regarding her medical thesis (later cleared) and procurement issues.
In 2019, her nomination as European Commission President surprised many, as she wasn’t a Spitzenkandidat (lead candidate) in the European Parliament elections. Critics argued her rise was tied to elite networks rather than democratic mandate, a sentiment echoed in 2025 X posts calling her leadership “authoritarian.” Despite this, her multilingual skills, political experience, and Merkel’s backing made her a strong fit for Brussels.
Key Achievements as European Commission President
Since taking office in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen has tackled major challenges:
- Brexit: She guided the EU through the final stages of the UK’s exit, securing a trade agreement.
- COVID-19 Response: She led the EU’s vaccine procurement strategy, though it faced scrutiny over transparency (dubbed “Pfizergate” by critics).
- Russia-Ukraine War: In 2025, she announced €100 billion in EU budget spending to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, alongside a €2.3 billion package for recovery efforts.
- Green Deal: Her ambitious climate policies aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, though recent budget proposals cutting agricultural funding have sparked debate.
In July 2024, von der Leyen was re-elected by the European Parliament, affirming her leadership despite a no-confidence vote in 2025 that failed to meet the two-thirds threshold. Her ability to navigate crises has earned her praise, but critics argue her policies prioritize globalism over national interests.
Ursula von der Leyen in 2025: Priorities and Controversies
2025 Priorities
As of July 2025, von der Leyen’s agenda focuses on:
- EU-China Relations: At the EU-China Summit in Beijing, she emphasized rebalancing trade due to a €400 billion trade deficit with China. Her push for “openness” comes with warnings of tariffs if progress stalls.
- EU Budget: Her €2 trillion budget proposal for 2024–2029 prioritizes flexibility for crises but cuts agricultural spending by 20%, drawing criticism from farmers and MEPs.
- Ukraine Support: Beyond financial aid, she’s advocated for stronger EU defense cooperation, including with Iceland and Japan.
- Digital and Green Innovation: Her Japan Summit focused on trade, green tech, and security, reflecting her push for global partnerships.
Controversies
Von der Leyen’s leadership isn’t without detractors:
- No-Confidence Vote: In July 2025, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group split over a motion of censure, with Polish and Romanian MEPs criticizing her, while Italians defended her. The motion failed, but it highlighted divisions.
- Budget Criticism: X posts and media reports criticize her budget cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with some calling it a “renoncement” to EU food security.
- Authoritarian Claims: Critics on X accuse her of “dictatorial” tendencies, citing opaque vaccine deals and elite connections. These claims lack concrete evidence but reflect public skepticism.
- Defence Ministry Scandals: Her tenure as Germany’s defence minister remains a sore point, with X users pointing to procurement issues and a “catastrophic” Bundeswehr.
Why Ursula von der Leyen Matters in 2025
Von der Leyen’s influence extends beyond Brussels. As a Merkel ally, she bridges the CDU’s conservative roots with progressive EU policies, though this creates tension with Germany’s current CDU leadership under Friedrich Merz. Her multilingual background and global outlook make her a unique figure in EU leadership, but her top-down approach fuels populist backlash, as seen in X posts.
Her 2025 initiatives—trade rebalancing, Ukraine support, and green innovation—position the EU as a global player, but budget cuts and trade disputes risk alienating key stakeholders. For readers, understanding von der Leyen’s role is key to grasping the EU’s direction in a turbulent world.
FAQs About Ursula von der Leyen
1. Who is Ursula von der Leyen?
Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission (2019–present), the first woman in the role, and a former German defence minister under Angela Merkel.
2. What are her main priorities in 2025?
She focuses on EU-China trade, Ukraine support, green innovation, and a flexible EU budget to address crises.
3. Why is she controversial?
Critics cite her defence ministry scandals, budget cuts to agriculture, and alleged authoritarian tendencies, though supporters praise her crisis management.
4. How was she re-elected in 2024?
She was elected by the European Parliament as the EPP’s Spitzenkandidat for the 2024 elections, securing a second term until 2029.
Conclusion
Ursula von der Leyen remains a polarizing yet indispensable figure in 2025, steering the EU through trade disputes, geopolitical crises, and climate goals. Her journey from a Brussels-born doctor to the European Commission Presidentshowcases resilience, but controversies like budget cuts and past scandals fuel debate. As she navigates EU-China relations and Ukraine’s recovery, her leadership will shape Europe’s future. Stay informed about Ursula von der Leyen 2025 by following trusted sources like Euronews and POLITICO.
