July 16, 2019
The European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen as the first female President of the European Commission. Her election marked a significant moment in EU history, as she became the first woman to hold the position.
Strasbourg, France | European Union
On July 16, 2019, Ursula von der Leyen was elected as the President of the European Commission, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her election was a significant milestone in the European Union’s history, reflecting both a commitment to gender equality and a strategic political choice.
Ursula von der Leyen, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany, had a distinguished political career prior to her election. She served as Germany’s Minister of Defence from 2013 to 2019 and held various other ministerial roles under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Her nomination for the presidency was part of a broader political agreement among EU leaders, balancing various interests and political affiliations within the European Union.
Von der Leyen’s election followed a complex negotiation process among EU member states. Her candidacy was proposed by the European Council, and she needed to secure a majority in the European Parliament to be confirmed. On July 16, 2019, she was elected with 383 votes in favor, just nine votes above the required majority of 374 out of 747 members.
Gender Equality: Von der Leyen’s election was a landmark achievement for gender equality within the EU, breaking a glass ceiling in one of the most influential roles in European politics.
Political Context: Her election came at a time of significant challenges for the EU, including Brexit, rising populism, and debates over the future direction of the Union. Her leadership was seen as pivotal in navigating these issues.
Policy Priorities: Von der Leyen outlined an ambitious agenda focusing on climate change, digital transformation, and strengthening the EU’s global standing. Her European Green Deal aimed to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
Since taking office on December 1, 2019, von der Leyen has played a crucial role in steering the EU through various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership has been characterized by efforts to enhance EU unity and resilience, particularly through initiatives like the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support member states’ economies.
In summary, Ursula von der Leyen’s election as the first female President of the European Commission was a defining moment in EU history, symbolizing progress in gender equality and setting the stage for significant policy initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary challenges facing the Union.
Source: www.bbc.com