Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as President of the European Commission marks a crucial phase in the European Union’s efforts to address significant global and regional challenges. Her newly structured Commission team is tasked with tackling issues such as migration, climate change, digital transformation, and economic resilience, while maintaining a balance between competing political interests within the EU. With these objectives, von der Leyen aims to reshape Europe’s role on the global stage and address internal tensions that have emerged among member states.
Key Steps
- Addressing Migration Challenges:
A major aspect of von der Leyen’s Commission is dealing with the ongoing issue of migration. Austria’s unexpected assignment of the Internal Affairs and Migration portfolio to Magnus Brunner reflects a strategic decision to align the Commission’s migration policy with the rightward shift seen across Europe. Austria, previously criticized for its border control policies and stance on the Schengen area, supports tougher measures on migration, including outsourcing asylum procedures to non-EU countries. This aligns with von der Leyen’s broader strategy to explore “innovative solutions” for managing irregular migration, a highly controversial approach.- Objective: Von der Leyen aims to streamline migration management and implement stricter controls on irregular migration while maintaining the EU’s humanitarian responsibilities. This shift is intended to calm growing political pressures from EU member states demanding more robust migration policies.
- European Green Deal and Climate Action:
Climate change remains a central focus of von der Leyen’s Commission, continuing her ambitious European Green Deal, which seeks to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Notably, Spain’s Teresa Ribera will lead the charge, overseeing a broad array of initiatives, including a 90% emission-reduction target by 2040, the Clean Industrial Deal, and policies aimed at promoting a circular economy.- Objective: By advancing climate action policies, von der Leyen is positioning the EU as a global leader in environmental sustainability. Her long-term goal is to mitigate the effects of climate change while simultaneously fostering economic growth through green innovation and technological advancement.
- Economic Growth and Industrial Strategy:
Economic stability and growth are key priorities for von der Leyen, especially given the EU’s stagnating economic performance and the global economic competition from China and the U.S. In response, she has appointed France’s Stéphane Séjourné to oversee Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, which includes efforts to reform competition policy and foster industrial champions within the EU. This strategy includes a particular focus on ensuring that European industries remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing global market.- Objective: Von der Leyen’s industrial strategy seeks to enhance productivity, simplify regulatory frameworks, and encourage innovation to maintain Europe’s competitive edge. This will involve a loosening of fiscal rules to allow for strategic investments in key industries and SMEs, all while supporting the digital transition.
- Digital Sovereignty and Tech Leadership:
Digital transformation is another key pillar of von der Leyen’s policy agenda. Henna Virkkunen of Finland has been tasked with overseeing the Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy portfolio, aiming to reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign technologies, particularly from the U.S. and China. This portfolio will focus on key areas such as AI development, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.- Objective: Von der Leyen’s goal is to ensure the EU’s digital sovereignty by creating a competitive and secure digital infrastructure that can stand independently of global tech giants. This is seen as vital for both economic security and protecting European democratic values.
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:
Ursula von der Leyen has also made gender equality and social inclusion cornerstones of her presidency. With women making up 40% of the College of Commissioners, she has prioritized elevating female leaders and ensuring gender balance in key roles. Roxana Mînzatu of Romania has been appointed as Executive Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness, with a focus on employment, inclusion, and addressing social inequalities across the EU.- Objective: Promoting social justice and gender equality across Europe is central to von der Leyen’s strategy. By ensuring that all communities, particularly women and marginalized groups, are supported, von der Leyen is working towards a more inclusive and equitable European society.
Future of the European Union
Ursula von der Leyen’s vision for the European Union is ambitious and multifaceted. She envisions a Union that is united in addressing global challenges, committed to internal reforms, and positioned as a leading force in climate action, digital innovation, and economic resilience. Key to her vision is a Europe that:
- Leads on Global Challenges: Von der Leyen wants the EU to lead in global climate action and digital innovation, setting the standard for other countries in terms of environmental sustainability and technological advancement. She believes that by doing so, the EU can remain a relevant global player in an increasingly multipolar world.
- Maintains Security and Stability: Security, both economic and geopolitical, is essential to her vision. This includes securing the EU’s borders and managing migration effectively, ensuring economic resilience against external shocks, and reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
- Fosters Inclusivity and Equality: Inclusivity is also central to von der Leyen’s vision, particularly through policies aimed at promoting gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social fairness. Her Commission is designed to ensure that all EU citizens, regardless of gender or background, benefit from the Union’s economic and social progress.
Impact on EU Member States
The impact of Ursula von der Leyen’s policies will vary across the European Union, depending on the specific needs and political landscapes of different countries:
- Migration Policy: Countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Italy are likely to welcome von der Leyen’s tougher stance on migration, which aligns with their own domestic policies. However, her approach could cause friction with more liberal member states, such as Germany and Sweden, which may push back against outsourcing asylum procedures and tighter border controls.
- Climate Policy: Southern European nations, particularly Spain and Portugal, which are already vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, stand to benefit significantly from the European Green Deal. However, countries with a more fossil fuel-reliant economy, such as Poland, may face economic challenges in transitioning to greener alternatives.
- Economic Strategy: Member states with strong industrial bases, such as Germany and France, are likely to support von der Leyen’s plans for fostering European industrial champions and loosening fiscal rules to promote strategic investments. However, smaller member states may be concerned that these policies could disproportionately benefit larger economies.
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How Muslims View Ursula von der Leyen’s Strategy
Muslim communities in the European Union may have mixed reactions to von der Leyen’s strategy. On one hand, her emphasis on inclusivity, gender equality, and social justice is likely to resonate positively with many Muslims, especially those who face discrimination and social exclusion in Europe. Von der Leyen’s commitment to fighting racism and supporting marginalized communities could improve conditions for many Muslims in the EU, particularly women.
However, von der Leyen’s migration policies, especially the outsourcing of asylum procedures and the stricter border controls, may be viewed more critically by Muslims, especially those who are directly affected by immigration issues or have families in conflict regions. The rise of right-wing politics in parts of Europe, coupled with von der Leyen’s efforts to appease these factions, might also generate concern among Muslims who have experienced hostility and xenophobia from far-right groups.
Her policy objectives:
Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as President of the European Commission is marked by her ambitious agenda to reshape the EU in response to pressing global and regional challenges. Her policy objectives include tackling climate change, securing digital sovereignty, managing migration, and fostering economic growth, while promoting social justice and gender equality. The success of her initiatives will depend on how well they are implemented across diverse member states, and how effectively they balance competing political interests. Moreover, how these policies are perceived by various communities, including Muslims, will play a key role in shaping Europe’s future.
References
- Politico Europe (2023). Von der Leyen’s New European Commission: Portfolio Assignments and Policy Shifts.
- European Commission (2023). Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for the European Commission 2024-2029.
- Euronews (2023). EU’s Migration Policies: The Rightward Shift Under von der Leyen’s Commission.
- European Parliament (2023). The European Green Deal and Digital Transformation: Key Initiatives.
- BBC News (2023). The Impact of Ursula von der Leyen’s Migration Strategy on Member States.
