Ursula von der Leyen: Global Leadership In The Face Of Crisis
“For me, it’s like coming home,” Ursula von der Leyen said in describing her new job as president of the European Commission. Von der Leyen is a woman of many firsts.
Brussels born and bred, she was the first female German defence minister (2013-2019) and the first woman to head the EU’s powerful executive. Mrs von der Leyen replaced Jean-Claude Juncker in the EU’s top job on 1 December 2019.
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.
The President 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. Her responsibilities include proposing new EU laws, enforcing the bloc’s rules and handling trade deals.
In facing the coronavirus crisis, Von der Leyen has had to adjust the Commission to face some inevitables, including devising guidelines for border closures, as well as the waiver of EU debt and borrowing limits.
Von der Leyen, speaking at the EU’s emergency control centre, said, “The virus continues to spread, and I have full sympathy for those suffering from the virus.”
She added, “The virus has brought governments and health systems together to try and work to contain it. The EU has an ongoing risk assessment and already is working in close coordination with member states. We have a very comprehensive approach to containing the virus.”
The President led the charge to raise 750 billion euros on behalf of all its member states, but the decision had to be approved by all 27 national leaders and their parliaments. To survive the disruptive economic effects of the coronavirus, the European Union had to commit to a national debt.
Ursula von der Leyen, addressing the European Parliament members in Brussels said, “This is about all of us and it is way bigger than anyone of us. This is Europe’s moment.”
For her efforts in helping the world fight the coronavirus, von der Leyen is recognised as one of the honourees of Neusroom 100 list . Check out the full list of honourees here.
