Ursula von der Leyen secures second five-year term as president of the European Commission following a European Parliament vote and promises a more circular and resilient economy
Von der Leyen re-election
Her reappointment is welcomed by many EU capitals, seeking stability in the face of political turmoil within member states, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and potential ramifications from the upcoming US elections.
Despite this support, von der Leyen faces criticism from various political factions. Some argue her commitment to the EU’s Green Deal and rule of law standards has been inconsistent, while others, particularly from the far right, view her policies as overly centrist. Criticisms also extend to her migration policy dealings, which some claim lack adequate human rights safeguards.
Circular Economy Act
Von Der Leyen met with MEPs across the political spectrum ahead of the vote. She offered a comprehensive list of policy promises, including reducing bureaucratic burdens for small businesses and proposing a “new clean industrial deal” to drive investment in decarbonising manufacturing and green technology.
Central to her agenda is the shift towards a more circular and resilient economy. The proposed Circular Economy Act aims to enhance sustainability by creating market demand for secondary materials and establishing a single market for waste, particularly concerning critical raw materials. This effort will be complemented by a new chemicals industry package to simplify REACH regulations and address the issue of “forever chemicals” or PFAS.
The healthcare sector also features prominently in Von Der Leyen’s circular economy plans. The EU has faced severe shortages of medical devices and medicines, highlighting the need for greater resilience. The proposed Critical Medicines Act will aim to reduce dependencies on critical medicines and ingredients. This initiative is part of a broader effort to complete the European Health Union, ensuring diversified supply chains, advanced treatments, resilient health systems, and strategic inventories of key medicines.
Von der Leyen’s focus on healthcare extends to preventive health measures, with a particular emphasis on mental health, cardiovascular diseases, and treatments for degenerative illnesses. Building on the Beating Cancer Plan, there will be increased support for research on autism and efforts to combat anti-microbial resistance.
Recognising the growing threat of cyberattacks on health systems, von der Leyen will propose a European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers within the first 100 days of her mandate. This plan aims to improve threat detection, preparedness, and crisis response.
