Ursula von der Leyen becomes President of the European Commission for the second time

Internationaldesk:

Ursula von der Leyen won support from EU MPs for a five-year term as president of the powerful executive body, the European Commission.  The 720-member European Parliament approved them with 401 in favour, 284 against and 15 abstentions.  361 votes were needed.  Addressing parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen presented a program focused on prosperity and security, shaped by the challenges of Russia’s war in Ukraine, global economic competition and climate change.  "The next five years will define Europe's place in the world for the next five decades," von der Leyen said before the secret ballot.  It will determine whether we create our own future or shape it by events or others.