Ursula von der Leyen’s Bold Shift Sparks Debate at EU Helm

UPDATE: Ursula von der Leyen’s transformation as President of the European Commission has become a topic of urgent discussion as her second term unfolds. Critics and supporters alike are questioning whether she has truly reinvented her leadership style or is merely revealing her authentic self.

In her initial term, which began in December 2019, von der Leyen showcased a progressive agenda focused on the Green Deal—a plan aimed at making Europe a climate-neutral continent. Fast forward to today, and the promise of environmental reform appears to be fading. The once-celebrated Green Deal is now surprisingly absent from key discussions, including the new long-term EU budget proposal.

The shift in priorities has been stark. Von der Leyen now seems to embrace a more pragmatic and centralized approach, which many attribute to her influential chief of staff, Bjoern Seibert. Reports indicate a significant reduction in collaboration with high-profile Commissioners, raising concerns about transparency in decision-making. For instance, key figures only received budget details moments before public announcements, signaling a drastic change in her operational style.

Moreover, the ambitious goals of the Green Deal, which sought to transform Europe’s economy and agriculture, have been quietly sidelined. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and other crucial initiatives are reportedly being dismantled under the guise of “Omnibus” simplification proposals. The “Farm to Fork” strategy, once a critical element of the Green Deal, has vanished from official communications, prompting skepticism about the Commission’s commitment to its original environmental vision.

Simultaneously, von der Leyen’s health agenda is faltering. Her €4 billion Beating Cancer Plan, a cornerstone of her first term, is losing momentum. Key measures to combat tobacco and alcohol use have stalled, and funding for cancer initiatives has plummeted from €115 million in 2024 to just €60 million in 2025. As public health priorities take a backseat, insiders are questioning whether the fight against cancer is being deprioritized.

In contrast, von der Leyen has refocused on defense, seizing geopolitical opportunities amid rising tensions, particularly due to Russia‘s actions in Ukraine. The upcoming EU budget cycle proposes a remarkable fivefold increase in defense and space funding starting in 2028. This pivot has positioned her as a leading advocate for a stronger European defense industry, leaving many to ponder the implications of this new direction.

With the U.S. increasingly focused on the Indo-Pacific, the EU is at a crossroads—can it assert itself as a credible security actor within NATO? As von der Leyen pushes for structural changes, including redirecting cohesion funds to defense and simplifying procurement rules, the stakes are high. Plans for a comprehensive “European Defence Union” are on the horizon, raising questions about Europe’s role in global security.

As this new chapter unfolds, the contrast between von der Leyen’s two mandates remains striking. Observers are left to wonder: is she the green advocate who sought to lead Europe into an eco-friendly future, or is she evolving into a power-focused strategist? The answer is unclear, and as Brussels braces for the next developments, one thing is certain—Ursula von der Leyen is steering the EU into uncharted waters.

As the debate intensifies, the implications of her evolving leadership style will be felt across Europe. Will her focus on defense overshadow the environmental and health commitments she once championed? Only time will tell, but the urgency of this conversation is palpable as Europe grapples with its future leadership.