The New Era of European Leadership: Von der Leyen's Vision for the Next Five Years

It's hard to believe it's been five years since Ursula von der Leyen took the reins as European Commission president. In July, she was re-elected for a second term, and with it, she introduced her new top team of 26 nominees, each representing one of the EU's member countries. But who is Ursula von der Leyen, and what is her vision for the future of Europe? As a former German defense minister, von der Leyen might seem an unlikely candidate for the most important job in Europe. However, her appointment was the result of a behind-the-scenes deal between then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, who handpicked her for the role. Love her or hate her, von der Leyen has made her mark on the Commission. So, what does the European Commission do, exactly? Think of it as the executive arm of the EU, responsible for implementing policies and overseeing 32,000 staff members across the continent. The Commission is headed by a College of Commissioners, a 27-member team that sets the tone for the EU's agenda. From implementing the bloc's annual budget to enforcing EU legislation, such as the abolition of roaming charges or standardized USB chargers, the Commission is responsible for making sure member states comply with EU rules. More importantly, the Commission ensures that basic human rights and the rule of law are respected across the continent.