Ursula von der Leyen has been the President of the European Commission since 2019 - the first ever woman in this post. After successfully leading the EU through challenging times, she was appointed by national leaders and elected by the European Parliament for a second 5-year term. She will be at the helm of the Commission until 2029.
Biography
- 2019-present
President of the European Commission
- 2013-2019
Federal Minister of Defence, Germany
- 2009-2013
Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs
- 2009-2019
Member of the German Bundestag
- 2005-2009
Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Germany
- 2003-2005
Minister for Social Affairs, Women, Family Affairs and Health in Lower Saxony, Germany
- 2003-2005
Member of the CDU in the State Assembly of Lower Saxony
- Since 1990
Member of the CDU
- 1998-2002
Member of the academic staff, Department of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health System Research, Hanover Medical School (Medizinische Hochschule)
Role of the President
According to the treaties, the President decides on the organisation of the Commission and allocates portfolios to individual Commissioners. The President also sets the Commission's policy agenda.
She represents the Commission in European Council meetings, G7 and G20 summits, summits with non-EU countries and major debates in the European Parliament and the Council.