EU: re-elected, Ursula von der Leyen unveils agenda for new term in office

On 18 July, the European Parliament approved Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy for re-election as president of the European Commission until 2029, by 401 votes to 284. In her speech to MEPs, the German leader placed emphasis on security, investment in industry and the dual transition (ecological and digital), as well as competitiveness. She therefore intends to launch a ‘Skills Union’ to guarantee the portability of skills between member states and strengthen lifelong learning. Two objectives in