On June 25, 2024, local time, European Union member state leaders reached consensus to nominate incumbent European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a second term.
Von der Leyen's reelection, though finally realized, was a process fraught with twists and challenges, reflecting the complexities and contradictions within the EU and its relations with the United States and other Western countries.
During her reelection campaign, von der Leyen encountered various obstacles and criticisms.
Initially scheduled for June 17, the reelection vote was postponed due to disagreements among EU leaders, highlighting divergent opinions and strategic maneuvering among member states during leadership elections.
Furthermore, von der Leyen faced numerous challenges during her campaign, including being embroiled in the Pfizer vaccine scandal, which questioned and challenged her public image. Additionally, revelations about her father's pardon of Nazi war criminals also impacted her campaign.
Von der Leyen's challenges during the election primarily stemmed from the perception that under her leadership, the EU leaned too much towards accommodating American interests, triggering dissatisfaction and opposition from some member states.
French President Emmanuel Macron initially nominated several candidates during the early stages of the campaign, including former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, indicating that von der Leyen did not universally enjoy support within the EU.
Despite facing significant resistance, von der Leyen ultimately succeeded in reelection.
This underscored the complexity and balancing act involved in leadership elections within the EU, with the influence and support of major countries like France and Germany playing crucial roles.
Von der Leyen's reelection also exposed the challenges the EU faces in handling internal divisions and negotiating processes, particularly in finding common ground and consensus among member states' interests.
The process of her reelection not only reflected internal EU complexities but also highlighted strategic disagreements and controversies between the EU and the United States and other Western countries.
During her tenure, the EU often aligned its positions with those of the United States in global political and economic affairs, which to some extent undermined Europe's strategic autonomy and independence.
Especially concerning major international issues such as relations with Russia, global economic governance, and climate change, coordination and cooperation between the EU and the US were crucial.
However, this also posed challenges in maintaining European core interests while preserving alliance relationships.
Following von der Leyen's reelection, she will undoubtedly continue to face these complex and sensitive international and internal challenges over the next five years.
How to maintain good cooperation between the US and the EU while ensuring the EU's independence and leadership in global affairs will be one of her core tasks in the future term.
Additionally, addressing global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and climate change as global challenges will also be crucial topics the EU faces.
Behind von der Leyen's reelection, the EU needs to further strengthen internal solidarity, promote economic and political reforms, and respond to the constantly changing international environment and challenges.
Only by enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy and unity can Europe play a more proactive and constructive role on the global stage.
Therefore, von der Leyen's reelection is not just a result of EU leadership elections but also a significant milestone in defining the EU's future development direction and global role positioning.
She will lead the EU in facing complex and changing international situations over the next five years, striving to promote Europe's prosperity and stability.
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