A European political scene centered on Ursula von der Leyen is drawing attention as the bloc prepares for a pivotal transition. Within the ranks of the European People’s Party, no candidate challenged von der Leyen for the top post of President of the European Commission ahead of the June European elections. The conservative faction closed its bid window this Wednesday, with the German frontrunner receiving broad backing from colleagues in the parliamentary group. At a press event in Bucharest, she laid out the criteria for any future coalition, insisting she would work only with pro-European, pro-NATO partners who defend the rule of law. Her stance signals a preference for a governance framework anchored in shared democratic values and steadfast support for Ukraine. The question remains whether a future government could include right-leaning, Eurosceptic, or nationalist parties, such as those represented in the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, including Vox and Poland’s PiS. In response, von der Leyen emphasized that cooperation with any actors who threaten the rule of law or align with Vladimir Putin would be off the table, a message echoed by Manfred Weber, the EPP’s leader in the European Parliament.
At the 100-day mark before the elections, von der Leyen refrains from courting any single alliance. Instead, she underscores that defending democracy, upholding the rule of law, protecting European values, supporting Ukraine, and countering efforts to weaken and divide Europe will shape potential coalitions. As she explained, elections within Europe continually reshuffle party groupings, with some factions exiting and new ones entering, just as the PPE has experienced. Weber noted internal disputes, citing Viktor Orbán’s desire to join the ECR and the public reluctance of some delegations to be in the same camp. He pointed to a chorus of voices from Sweden and Finland that reflect a broader tension around Orbán’s alignment, describing him as a voice for Putin within the EU.
Security and stability remain a central theme. In addition to the support from her own party, von der Leyen has also earned endorsements from non-German centers: the Civic Platform of Poland, led by Donald Tusk, and New Democracy in Greece, led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Weber affirmed full parliamentary backing for the current Commission president who has managed major crises during her prior mandate, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic upheaval, and the war in Ukraine. The focus for the next five years is to bolster European competitiveness while ensuring security and stability amid widespread uncertainty. He stated that European citizens want more coordinated defense, higher and smarter investment, and decisions made at the European level. A key element of the party’s manifesto, set to be finalized at the Bucharest Congress, is the creation of a Commissioner for Defense. The party intends to present a robust manifesto for the Europe of tomorrow and to demonstrate leadership in guiding the union through the challenges ahead.