Ursula von der Leyen

A collection of 28 posts

Poland's EU presidency under review: efficient but cautious

Poland's EU presidency under review: efficient but cautious

Key deliverables included the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), East Shield funding eligibility, three rounds of Russia sanctions and progress on Montenegro's EU accession.

Dan wins Romanian presidency, calming EU fears over ultranationalist Simion

Dan wins Romanian presidency, calming EU fears over ultranationalist Simion

Independent pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan won Romania’s presidential election on Sunday, 18 May, defeating far-right challenger George Simion in a runoff vote. The result represents a holding of the political centre after months of polarised campaigning, easing tensions in Brussels and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Dan secured 53.

Bosnia's EU accession requires pro-EU coalition - high representative

Bosnia's EU accession requires pro-EU coalition - high representative

The EU can formally begin accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) when a stable and pro-European coalition has been formed, according to Christian Schmidt, the international high representative overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The Dayton accords were signed in 1995 and ended the Bosnian War. The

Europe’s trilemma: rearmament, green transition, competitiveness

Europe’s trilemma: rearmament, green transition, competitiveness

European leaders met in Brussels on 20 March to confront a mounting policy dilemma: how to balance rearmament, the green transition, and economic competitiveness. The discussions come amid slowing growth, high energy costs, and growing strategic insecurity — all while EU fiscal rules remain in place. At the heart of the

Moldova pivots to EU in presidential vote

Moldova pivots to EU in presidential vote

Moldovan President Maia Sandu defeated her pro-Russian rival Alexandr Stoianoglo by around 55% to 45% in the presidential second-round vote on Sunday, 3 November. While Stoianoglo was ahead in rural areas, the south, and the breakaway republic of Transnistria, pro-EU Sandu took Chisinau and other cities and was also the

Romania asks EU for top commissioner post, as Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia jostle for position

Romania asks EU for top commissioner post, as Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia jostle for position

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has requested that his country’s upcoming European Commissioner focuses on economic policies, following a meeting with European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday. “I want a portfolio that is highly relevant, given that we are the sixth largest country