18 / 07 / 2019


The European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen as next EC President

The European Parliament (EP) elected Ursula von der Leyen as President of the next European Commission (EC) on 16 July 2019. With 383 votes in favour, 327 against and 22 abstentions, Ms von der Leyen, of German nationality, will take office as of 1 November 2019 for a five-year term. One of her priorities is “A Europe to fit for digital age”, aiming at:
  • increasing investment in disruptive research and innovation;
  • prioritising investments in digital technologies, especially in Artificial Intelligence, both through the Multiannual Financial Framework and the increased use of Public-Private Partnerships;
  • completing Digital Single Market and creating a new Digital Services Act which will upgrade the rules of digital platforms.
  Ursula von der Leyen will now select the team of Commissioners composed of an equal number of women and men, based on candidates suggested by the Heads of State or Government. The list of Commissioners-designate has to be agreed by the Council and the European Parliament and will probably be elected in EP’s session  on 21-24 October.   More information Ursula von der Leyen’s political guidelines