In December 2019, Ursula von der Leyen returned to Brussels, her childhood city, with the poise of a self-assured centrist and the promise of a visionary. The Green Deal was at the heart of her first presidency, providing a beacon of hope for climate action and demonstrating a surprisingly collaborative leadership, alongside her team of Executives, including Margrethe Vestager and Frans Timmermans.
Fast-forward to the start of her second term; followers might find themselves questioning if they are watching the same show. With speculation about a potential identity crisis or a tactical political transformation, there is interest in understanding Ursula von der Leyen’s evolving approach.
A Shift Towards Pragmatism and Realism
Von der Leyen seems to have evolved into a pragmatic political realist, echoing a Machiavellian strategy. This transformation is partly attributed to her chief of staff, Bjoern Seibert, who expertly manages the dynamics within the Berlaymont building. The openness to maverick Commissioners seen in her first term has given way to a more uniform front, with decisions now made behind closed doors. Core priorities of her initial term appear to have been replaced or sidelined, leading to questions about her true intentions – is she still the “Green Queen” of 2019 or a centralized “VDL”?
The Disappearing Green Deal
The Green Deal, central to her first presidency, seems to be losing prominence. Once a policy pillar and a “vibe” for Europe, it is now absent from official documents and rhetoric, with elements being dismantled or downplayed. The omissions and rollbacks in the related initiatives suggest a departure from her initial environmental commitment, with signs of abandonment impossible to ignore.
A Diminishing Focus on Health
Health is another area where von der Leyen’s focus appears to be waning. The “Beating Cancer Plan,” originally a cornerstone initiative, has seen momentum dissipate, with stalled measures and dropped targets. Funding allocations have decreased, raising doubts about the commitment to health promotion and cancer prevention from her initial term.
A Pivot to Defense and Military Strength
Despite the decline in environmental and health priorities, von der Leyen is turning her attention to defense, a domain that feels more familiar to her. The EU’s next budget cycle is set to significantly increase defense funding, reflecting a strategic pivot towards security and military power. The shift from a “Green Queen” to a defense strategist is as dramatic as it is strategic, aimed at asserting the EU’s credibility as a security actor in the changing geopolitical landscape.
Conclusion: The Jury Is Still Out
Von der Leyen’s transformation has provoked mixed reactions, leaving observers perplexed. Is she the eco-champion or the defense-focused strategist? Perhaps both aspects of her leadership have always coexisted, or maybe neither was fully realized. With her second mandate bringing a different approach and agenda, the question remains: what game is Ursula von der Leyen playing, and how will Europe respond to this potential reboot? Whatever the case, it’s clear that her strategy has shifted, and Brussels, and beyond, awaits the next chapter.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/08/05/the-two-faces-of-ursula-reinvention-or-deception-at-the-eus-helm
