Knife-edge vote set to result in another five-year mandate for commission’s first female leader or a crisis for EU. Ursula von der Leyen has spoken out against “the extreme polarisation of our societies” as she appealed to the European parliament to give her a second term as European Commission president.

Ursula von der Leyen put forward her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Europe.

Responding to her speech, MEPs emphasised the importance of listening more to workers, farmers, and industry voices. They welcomed the new policy focus on housing, and stressed the need for fair international competition, strong support for Ukraine, ending the war in Gaza, and better control of migration. Many called for continued efforts to push back against the rise of far right politics, and to promote social justice, climate action, and gender equality. Several MEPs wanted more focus on the fight against poverty, unemployment, and for a solidarity-based Europe.

Some MEPs also argued for the importance of listening to citizens’ desire for protection, identity, and sovereignty, rejecting excessive regulation and mass immigration while also calling for strategic autonomy. Some condemned current economic and agricultural policies, advocating instead for a Europe of free and sovereign nations.