The story of the von der Leyen Commission 2019-2024
The von der Leyen Commission took office in December 2019.
It promised to work for a Europe that is ambitious on climate action, fit for the digital age with an economy that works for people. A Europe where our way of life and our democracies are protected. And a Europe which takes a global lead on the major challenges of our time.
During the past five years, the team worked to fulfil these commitments while overcoming some of the greatest tests that Europe has ever faced.
Brussels, December 2019 - Ceremony of transfer of power between the outgoing Juncker Commission and the start of the new von der Leyen Commission.
Brussels, December 2019 - Ceremony of transfer of power between the outgoing Juncker Commission and the start of the new von der Leyen Commission.
Brussels, December 2019 - Ceremony of transfer of power between the outgoing Juncker Commission and the start of the new von der Leyen Commission.
Brussels, December 2019 - Ceremony of transfer of power between the outgoing Juncker Commission and the start of the new von der Leyen Commission.
The von der Leyen Commission took office in December 2019.
It promised to work for a Europe that is ambitious on climate action, fit for the digital age with an economy that works for people. A Europe where our way of life and our democracies are protected. And a Europe which takes a global lead on the major challenges of our time.
During the past five years, the team worked to fulfil these commitments while overcoming some of the greatest tests that Europe has ever faced.
Brussels, May 2024 - Aerial view of a large European flag deployed alongside the flags of the 10 countries that joined the European Union in 2004 to mark the 20th anniversary.
Brussels, May 2024 - Aerial view of a large European flag deployed alongside the flags of the 10 countries that joined the European Union in 2004 to mark the 20th anniversary.
Brussels, May 2021 - A 'NextGenerationEU' banner is displayed on the front of the Berlaymont building.
Brussels, May 2021 - A 'NextGenerationEU' banner is displayed on the front of the Berlaymont building.
Krakow, March 2022 - Girls hold Ukrainian and EU flags during a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine in Krakow, Poland. © Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Krakow, March 2022 - Girls hold Ukrainian and EU flags during a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine in Krakow, Poland. © Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Brussels, September 2020 - European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner Ylva Johansson present the New Pact for Migration and Asylum.
Brussels, September 2020 - European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner Ylva Johansson present the New Pact for Migration and Asylum.
Oslo, November 2023 - Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni speaks at a "InvestEU" event in Oslo, Norway.
Oslo, November 2023 - Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni speaks at a "InvestEU" event in Oslo, Norway.
Strasbourg, July 2024 - From left to right, Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President Věra Jourová, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, and President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where she delivered a speech outlining her political agenda for the next five years.
Strasbourg, July 2024 - From left to right, Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President Věra Jourová, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, and President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where she delivered a speech outlining her political agenda for the next five years.
Brussels, October 2022 - European Commission Vice-President Vĕra Jourová at the Navalny film screening.
Brussels, October 2022 - European Commission Vice-President Vĕra Jourová at the Navalny film screening.
Strasbourg, September 2021 - Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni and Italian gold medallist Beatrice Vio speak with President Ursula von der Leyen and Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Strasbourg, September 2021 - Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni and Italian gold medallist Beatrice Vio speak with President Ursula von der Leyen and Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Davos, January 2023 - Commissioner Johannes Hahn speaks at a discussion panel of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Davos, January 2023 - Commissioner Johannes Hahn speaks at a discussion panel of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Strasbourg, April 2022 - People taking part in the 7th Plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFE).
Strasbourg, April 2022 - People taking part in the 7th Plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFE).
Madrid, December 2019 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and David Maria Sassoli, President of the European Parliament at the the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain.
Madrid, December 2019 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and David Maria Sassoli, President of the European Parliament at the the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain.
Brussels, March 2020 - Press conference by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Paolo Gentiloni, Stella Kyriakides, Janez Lenarčič, Ylva Johansson and Adina Vălean, European Commissioners, on the EU's response to COVID-19.
Brussels, March 2020 - Press conference by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Paolo Gentiloni, Stella Kyriakides, Janez Lenarčič, Ylva Johansson and Adina Vălean, European Commissioners, on the EU's response to COVID-19.
Defeating the pandemic and powering our recovery
When the world was hit by a global pandemic early in its mandate, the Commission stepped up to protect lives and our economy.
We helped research and roll out life-saving vaccines in record time. To protect Europeans, we secured up to 4.6 billion vaccine doses. Over 80% of the EU adult population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Working in a Team Europe approach, we also shared more than 530 million doses with the rest of the world, to stop the pandemic in its tracks.
When COVID-19 struck, Europe faced the deepest recession since World War II. The von der Leyen Commission reacted decisively, developing a bold plan to invest together for Europe’s recovery and resilience.
Worth more than €800 billion, NextGenerationEU is propelling our economies and accelerating the clean and digital transitions. Hundreds of projects funded by NextGenerationEU are already delivering results for Europeans, from offshore wind farms to electric trains, from top-notch digital public services to world-class hospitals.
Defeating the pandemic and powering our recovery
Brussels, March 2020 - Press conference by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Paolo Gentiloni, Stella Kyriakides, Janez Lenarčič, Ylva Johansson and Adina Vălean, European Commissioners, on the EU's response to COVID-19.
Brussels, March 2020 - Press conference by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Paolo Gentiloni, Stella Kyriakides, Janez Lenarčič, Ylva Johansson and Adina Vălean, European Commissioners, on the EU's response to COVID-19.
When the world was hit by a global pandemic early in its mandate, the Commission stepped up to protect lives and our economy.
We helped research and roll out life-saving vaccines in record time. To protect Europeans, we secured up to 4.6 billion vaccine doses. Over 80% of the EU adult population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Working in a Team Europe approach, we also shared more than 530 million doses with the rest of the world, to stop the pandemic in its tracks.
When COVID-19 struck, Europe faced the deepest recession since World War II. The von der Leyen Commission reacted decisively, developing a bold plan to invest together for Europe’s recovery and resilience.
Worth more than €800 billion, NextGenerationEU is propelling our economies and accelerating the clean and digital transitions. Hundreds of projects funded by NextGenerationEU are already delivering results for Europeans, from offshore wind farms to electric trains, from top-notch digital public services to world-class hospitals.
Puurs-Sint-Amands, April 2021 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visits the Pfizer Vaccine Production Facility in Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium, where one of the vaccines against COVID-19 was being produced.
Puurs-Sint-Amands, April 2021 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visits the Pfizer Vaccine Production Facility in Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium, where one of the vaccines against COVID-19 was being produced.
Sofia, June 2021 - Commissioner Stella Kyriakides visits a vaccination center at the "St. Anna" hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia, June 2021 - Commissioner Stella Kyriakides visits a vaccination center at the "St. Anna" hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Brussels, June 2021 - EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Brussels, June 2021 - EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Melissia, January 2021 - A nursing home resident in Melissia, Greece, gets vaccinated against COVID-19.
Melissia, January 2021 - A nursing home resident in Melissia, Greece, gets vaccinated against COVID-19.
Brussels, March 2021 - Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner Stella Kyriakides hold a press conference on the export transparency and authorisation mechanism and an accelerated approval of adapted vaccines against COVID-19 variants.
Brussels, March 2021 - Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner Stella Kyriakides hold a press conference on the export transparency and authorisation mechanism and an accelerated approval of adapted vaccines against COVID-19 variants.
Podgorica, March 2021 - Boxes of the COVID-19 vaccine arrive at Podgorica airport, in Montenegro, through the COVAX mechanism.
Podgorica, March 2021 - Boxes of the COVID-19 vaccine arrive at Podgorica airport, in Montenegro, through the COVAX mechanism.
Brussels, April 2021 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, got vaccinated against COVID-19.
Brussels, April 2021 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, got vaccinated against COVID-19.
Standing with Ukraine
Ever since Russian tanks crossed the border in February 2022, Europe has stood up for Ukraine, with unity, strength and resolve.
The von der Leyen Commission organised the delivery of unprecedented humanitarian, financial and military assistance to Ukraine from the EU and Member States, and paved the way for more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees to be hosted in the EU.
We also supported Ukraine every step of the way as it works hard to reform and get closer to the EU. Following the Commission’s recommendations, Ukraine is now an official candidate country.
Kyiv, June 2022 - Greetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Ursula von der Leyen.
Kyiv, June 2022 - Greetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Ursula von der Leyen.
Standing with Ukraine
Kyiv, June 2022 - Greetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Ursula von der Leyen.
Kyiv, June 2022 - Greetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Ursula von der Leyen.
Ever since Russian tanks crossed the border in February 2022, Europe has stood up for Ukraine, with unity, strength and resolve.
The von der Leyen Commission organised the delivery of unprecedented humanitarian, financial and military assistance to Ukraine from the EU and Member States, and paved the way for more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees to be hosted in the EU.
We also supported Ukraine every step of the way as it works hard to reform and get closer to the EU. Following the Commission’s recommendations, Ukraine is now an official candidate country.
Strasbourg, September 2022 - Group photo with, from left to right, Commissioner Kadri Simson, Vice-President Věra Jourová, Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Commissioner Helena Dalli, Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, and Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen.
Strasbourg, September 2022 - Group photo with, from left to right, Commissioner Kadri Simson, Vice-President Věra Jourová, Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Commissioner Helena Dalli, Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, and Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen.
Bucha, April 2022 - Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, to Bucha, Ukraine.
Bucha, April 2022 - Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, to Bucha, Ukraine.
Bucha, April 2022 - Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, to Bucha, Ukraine.
Bucha, April 2022 - Visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, to Bucha, Ukraine.
Suceava, July 2023 - Buses donated by Sweden parked in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism’s logistic hub in Suceava County, Romania, waiting to be shipped to Ukraine.
Suceava, July 2023 - Buses donated by Sweden parked in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism’s logistic hub in Suceava County, Romania, waiting to be shipped to Ukraine.
Kyiv, February 2023 - Group photo of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen accompanied by 15 Commissioners, the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the first ever meeting between the College and the Ukrainian Government.
Kyiv, February 2023 - Group photo of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen accompanied by 15 Commissioners, the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the first ever meeting between the College and the Ukrainian Government.
Varese, March 2022 - Classmates welcome Ukrainian refugee children at a school in Varese, Italy.
Varese, March 2022 - Classmates welcome Ukrainian refugee children at a school in Varese, Italy.
Strasbourg, September 2022 - European Commissioners applauding Magdalena Morawik, on the left, and Agnieszka Anikin, founders of the Polish group of volunteers "Grupa Centrum", which welcomed Ukrainian refugees at Warsaw Central Railway Station.
Strasbourg, September 2022 - European Commissioners applauding Magdalena Morawik, on the left, and Agnieszka Anikin, founders of the Polish group of volunteers "Grupa Centrum", which welcomed Ukrainian refugees at Warsaw Central Railway Station.
Kyiv, April 2022 - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell Fontelles with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in their first visit to the country after the Russian invasion.
Kyiv, April 2022 - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell Fontelles with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in their first visit to the country after the Russian invasion.
Borodianka, October 2022 - Commissioner Didier Reynders visits Borodianka, Ukraine. The town was bombed extensively by the Russian Armed Forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Borodianka, October 2022 - Commissioner Didier Reynders visits Borodianka, Ukraine. The town was bombed extensively by the Russian Armed Forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Strasbourg, September 2022 - From left to right, Olena Zelenska, Spouse of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Strasbourg, September 2022 - From left to right, Olena Zelenska, Spouse of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
Rečica ob Savinji, September 2023 - Commissioner Janez Lenarčič visits the construction site of a new bridge in Rečica ob Savinji, Slovenia, after the devastating floods in August 2023.
Rečica ob Savinji, September 2023 - Commissioner Janez Lenarčič visits the construction site of a new bridge in Rečica ob Savinji, Slovenia, after the devastating floods in August 2023.
Providing support in times of crisis
This Commission continuously stepped up to provide support to countries hit by disaster, in Europe or beyond. It ensured that our teams were at work to rescue people and clear the rubble just hours after deadly earthquakes ravaged Albania, Croatia, Türkiye and Syria.
Quick support was on the ground following devastating floods in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Slovenia, and we stood in solidarity with Spain in the face of its recent tragedy. Europe's firefighting fleet helped battle wildfires in Greece, Portugal, France, Bulgaria and Albania.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, Europe needs to be well prepared to respond effectively. This is why we created rescEU: a common reserve of European resources for emergencies, including a fleet of firefighting planes and helicopters, medical evacuation planes, and stockpiles of medical items.
Providing support in times of crisis
Rečica ob Savinji, September 2023 - Commissioner Janez Lenarčič visits the construction site of a new bridge in Rečica ob Savinji, Slovenia, after the devastating floods in August 2023.
Rečica ob Savinji, September 2023 - Commissioner Janez Lenarčič visits the construction site of a new bridge in Rečica ob Savinji, Slovenia, after the devastating floods in August 2023.
This Commission continuously stepped up to provide support to countries hit by disaster, in Europe or beyond. It ensured that our teams were at work to rescue people and clear the rubble just hours after deadly earthquakes ravaged Albania, Croatia, Türkiye and Syria.
Quick support was on the ground following devastating floods in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Slovenia, and we stood in solidarity with Spain in the face of its recent tragedy. Europe's firefighting fleet helped battle wildfires in Greece, Portugal, France, Bulgaria and Albania.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, Europe needs to be well prepared to respond effectively. This is why we created rescEU: a common reserve of European resources for emergencies, including a fleet of firefighting planes and helicopters, medical evacuation planes, and stockpiles of medical items.
Gaziantep, February 2023 - EU humanitarian aid team member in Gaziantep, Türkiye, hours after a powerful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck the south-eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye.
Gaziantep, February 2023 - EU humanitarian aid team member in Gaziantep, Türkiye, hours after a powerful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck the south-eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye.
La Palma, August 2022 - An image of the lava flow of the Cumbre Vieja eruption provided by the Copernicus programme.
La Palma, August 2022 - An image of the lava flow of the Cumbre Vieja eruption provided by the Copernicus programme.
Črna na Koroškem, August 2023 - President Ursula von der Leyen helps the Slovenian Olympic athlete Nataša Lačen climb out of the mud in Črna na Koroškem, Slovenia, after devastating floods in the country in the summer of 2023. © Getty Images | SOPA Images
Črna na Koroškem, August 2023 - President Ursula von der Leyen helps the Slovenian Olympic athlete Nataša Lačen climb out of the mud in Črna na Koroškem, Slovenia, after devastating floods in the country in the summer of 2023. © Getty Images | SOPA Images
Greece, August 2021 - An Ericson Helicopter of the Greek Civil Protection droping water in the forest to extinguish the fire.
Greece, August 2021 - An Ericson Helicopter of the Greek Civil Protection droping water in the forest to extinguish the fire.
Brussels, February 2023 - Commissioner Janez Lenarčič and Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager visit the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) in Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, February 2023 - Commissioner Janez Lenarčič and Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager visit the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) in Brussels, Belgium.
Delivering a vision for a climate-neutral future
Through the European Green Deal, this Commission set an ambitious goal: to develop a new growth model for Europe, based on clean growth, and to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
To significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, we invested in renewable energy and clean technologies, and led the global fight against climate change. And with our REPowerEU plan, we reduced our reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
Our aim is that Europe remains a prime destination for investments that bring stable, future-proof jobs with a strong industrial base.
Europe is now on track to achieve its climate targets and has turned the clean transition into an opportunity for economic growth. To ensure that the transition is just and fair, we provided support to enable Europeans to develop new skills and find quality jobs in the clean and circular economy.
Bridgetown, June 2023 - Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans plants a tree during his visit to Bridgetown, Barbados, ahead of COP28 preparations.
Bridgetown, June 2023 - Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans plants a tree during his visit to Bridgetown, Barbados, ahead of COP28 preparations.
Delivering a vision for a climate-neutral future
Bridgetown, June 2023 - Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans plants a tree during his visit to Bridgetown, Barbados, ahead of COP28 preparations.
Bridgetown, June 2023 - Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans plants a tree during his visit to Bridgetown, Barbados, ahead of COP28 preparations.
Through the European Green Deal, this Commission set an ambitious goal: to develop a new growth model for Europe, based on clean growth, and to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
To significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, we invested in renewable energy and clean technologies, and led the global fight against climate change. And with our REPowerEU plan, we reduced our reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
Our aim is that Europe remains a prime destination for investments that bring stable, future-proof jobs with a strong industrial base.
Europe is now on track to achieve its climate targets and has turned the clean transition into an opportunity for economic growth. To ensure that the transition is just and fair, we provided support to enable Europeans to develop new skills and find quality jobs in the clean and circular economy.
Lokeren, July 2023 - Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, visits the Fluxys site in Lokeren (Belgium), where a gas pipeline carrying hydrogen is being constructed.
Lokeren, July 2023 - Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, visits the Fluxys site in Lokeren (Belgium), where a gas pipeline carrying hydrogen is being constructed.
Brasília, October 2023 - Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, in the center, during a visit to the Cathedral of Brasilia during his visit to Brazil.
Brasília, October 2023 - Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, in the center, during a visit to the Cathedral of Brasilia during his visit to Brazil.
Dubai, December 2023 - Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič at the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) Ministerial meeting during COP28.
Dubai, December 2023 - Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič at the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) Ministerial meeting during COP28.
Satkhira, October 2023 - A woman and child walk along the embankment in Labubunia village in Satkhira, Bangladesh. The region is facing high risk of flooding due to climate change.
Satkhira, October 2023 - A woman and child walk along the embankment in Labubunia village in Satkhira, Bangladesh. The region is facing high risk of flooding due to climate change.
Cascais, June 2022 - Former Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius participates in an activity for the #EUBeachCleanup campaign, at Carcavelos Beach, in Cascais, Portugal.
Cascais, June 2022 - Former Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius participates in an activity for the #EUBeachCleanup campaign, at Carcavelos Beach, in Cascais, Portugal.
Munich, September 2024 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visits the demonstration area of the "Creating NEBourhoods Together" project in Munich, Germany, which is one of the six lighthouse demonstrators of the New European Bauhaus funded by the EU.
Munich, September 2024 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visits the demonstration area of the "Creating NEBourhoods Together" project in Munich, Germany, which is one of the six lighthouse demonstrators of the New European Bauhaus funded by the EU.
Libreville, March 2023 - Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans walks in the Arboretum Raponda Walker, an equatorial rainforest, during his mission to Libreville, Gabon.
Libreville, March 2023 - Former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans walks in the Arboretum Raponda Walker, an equatorial rainforest, during his mission to Libreville, Gabon.
Takasaki (Japan), April 2023 - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager visiting the exhibition area at the G7 Digital and Technology Ministers' Meeting.
Takasaki (Japan), April 2023 - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager visiting the exhibition area at the G7 Digital and Technology Ministers' Meeting.
Ensuring that the digital transition benefits everyone
Digital transformation is crucial to Europe’s future competitiveness, prosperity and security. With this in mind, we put in place new rules to ensure that technology benefits our society, while reducing the risks for people.
In the past five years, Europe has become the global pioneer of citizen's rights online. Through two landmark acts of legislation, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, Europe’s online landscape is safer, fairer and more innovative.
Artificial intelligence is set to change the way we live and work forever. To ensure that Europe plays a leading global role in this groundbreaking technology, we also introduced the AI Act, the world's first dedicated AI regulation.
Ensuring that the digital transition benefits everyone
Takasaki (Japan), April 2023 - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager visiting the exhibition area at the G7 Digital and Technology Ministers' Meeting.
Takasaki (Japan), April 2023 - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager visiting the exhibition area at the G7 Digital and Technology Ministers' Meeting.
Digital transformation is crucial to Europe’s future competitiveness, prosperity and security. With this in mind, we put in place new rules to ensure that technology benefits our society, while reducing the risks for people.
In the past five years, Europe has become the global pioneer of citizen's rights online. Through two landmark acts of legislation, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, Europe’s online landscape is safer, fairer and more innovative.
Artificial intelligence is set to change the way we live and work forever. To ensure that Europe plays a leading global role in this groundbreaking technology, we also introduced the AI Act, the world's first dedicated AI regulation.
Bologna, February 2022 - Former Commissioner Mariya Gabriel visits the construction of the Technopole Cineca in Bologna, Italy, where the supercomputer Leonardo is being built.
Bologna, February 2022 - Former Commissioner Mariya Gabriel visits the construction of the Technopole Cineca in Bologna, Italy, where the supercomputer Leonardo is being built.
Oberpfaffenhofen, June 2022 - A researcher at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), works with the mobile robot EDAN (EMG-controlled daily assistant) and on the robotic Hand CLASH (Compliant Low-cost Antagonistic Servo Hand).
Oberpfaffenhofen, June 2022 - A researcher at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), works with the mobile robot EDAN (EMG-controlled daily assistant) and on the robotic Hand CLASH (Compliant Low-cost Antagonistic Servo Hand).
Istanbul, April 2024 - Commissioner Iliana Ivanova during her visit of the new labs at the Boğaziçi University Life Science Centre in Istanbul, Türkiye, for a second EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on Science, Research, Technology and Innovation.
Istanbul, April 2024 - Commissioner Iliana Ivanova during her visit of the new labs at the Boğaziçi University Life Science Centre in Istanbul, Türkiye, for a second EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on Science, Research, Technology and Innovation.
Dresden, February 2022 - An operator at the independent semiconductor foundry GlobalFoundries in Dresden, Germany.
Dresden, February 2022 - An operator at the independent semiconductor foundry GlobalFoundries in Dresden, Germany.
Esrange, January 2023 - From left to right, Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, Former Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner Kadri Simson, and Commissioner Elisa Ferreira at the inauguration of the Esrange Spaceport, in Sweeden.
Esrange, January 2023 - From left to right, Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, Former Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner Kadri Simson, and Commissioner Elisa Ferreira at the inauguration of the Esrange Spaceport, in Sweeden.
Brussels, February 2022 - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and Former Commissioner Thierry Breton present the Data Act in a press conference in Brussels.
Brussels, February 2022 - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and Former Commissioner Thierry Breton present the Data Act in a press conference in Brussels.
Lisbon, February 2023 - Commissioner Nicolas Schmit during his visit to a professional training centre for the metallurgical and metal-mechanical industry in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon, February 2023 - Commissioner Nicolas Schmit during his visit to a professional training centre for the metallurgical and metal-mechanical industry in Lisbon, Portugal.
Building a Union of Equality
The von der Leyen Commission promised to make sure that every European has equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection.
We delivered on that promise: we proposed new rules to increase the adequacy of minimum wages, improve the working conditions of digital platform workers (such as taxi and delivery drivers), and ensure equal pay for equal work between men and women.
During this mandate, we also put forward new initiatives against racism and antisemitism, but also for LGBTIQ+ people, individuals with disabilities, and Roma. We worked for a better Union, where Europeans of all colours, faiths, ages, genders, and sexual orientations can thrive.
Valletta, September 2023 - Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, in the EuroPride Valetta 2023.
Valletta, September 2023 - Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, in the EuroPride Valetta 2023.
Building a Union of Equality
Valletta, September 2023 - Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, in the EuroPride Valetta 2023.
Valletta, September 2023 - Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, in the EuroPride Valetta 2023.
The von der Leyen Commission promised to make sure that every European has equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection.
We delivered on that promise: we proposed new rules to increase the adequacy of minimum wages, improve the working conditions of digital platform workers (such as taxi and delivery drivers), and ensure equal pay for equal work between men and women.
During this mandate, we also put forward new initiatives against racism and antisemitism, but also for LGBTIQ+ people, individuals with disabilities, and Roma. We worked for a better Union, where Europeans of all colours, faiths, ages, genders, and sexual orientations can thrive.
New York, June 2024 - Commissioner Helena Dalli meets Ola Abu Alghaib, Palestinian activist for the rights of disabled people in the Middle East, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
New York, June 2024 - Commissioner Helena Dalli meets Ola Abu Alghaib, Palestinian activist for the rights of disabled people in the Middle East, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Göttingen, June 2024 - Arrival of two brothers at Musa, a venue for cultural activities in Göttingen, Germany, which aims to integrate migrants and refugees in European countries and is co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Göttingen, June 2024 - Arrival of two brothers at Musa, a venue for cultural activities in Göttingen, Germany, which aims to integrate migrants and refugees in European countries and is co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Strasbourg, February 2022 - Meeting between Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission in Strasbourg, France.
Strasbourg, February 2022 - Meeting between Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission in Strasbourg, France.
Bologna, October 2024 - Instructors from AIAS Bologna Onlus teaching a student how to use a touchscreen.
Bologna, October 2024 - Instructors from AIAS Bologna Onlus teaching a student how to use a touchscreen.
Hiroshima, May 2023 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister, Joe Biden, President of the United States, and Olaf Scholz, German Federal Chancellor, at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
Hiroshima, May 2023 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister, Joe Biden, President of the United States, and Olaf Scholz, German Federal Chancellor, at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
Working with partners to address global challenges
With Global Gateway, Europe's largest global investment programme ever, this Commission developed a new generation of partnerships across the world. Worth €300 billion, Global Gateway is funding quality investment and infrastructure projects that respect high environmental and social standards and create jobs and growth locally.
We supported our Western Balkan partners and Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia to get closer to the EU.
The von der Leyen Commission brought transatlantic cooperation to new levels, through close cooperation in support of Ukraine, as well as on energy, climate action, trade and technology. We also reset post-Brexit relations with the United Kingdom, putting one of our most important relationships back on a positive path.
Working with partners to address global challenges
Hiroshima, May 2023 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister, Joe Biden, President of the United States, and Olaf Scholz, German Federal Chancellor, at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
Hiroshima, May 2023 - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister, Joe Biden, President of the United States, and Olaf Scholz, German Federal Chancellor, at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
With Global Gateway, Europe's largest global investment programme ever, this Commission developed a new generation of partnerships across the world. Worth €300 billion, Global Gateway is funding quality investment and infrastructure projects that respect high environmental and social standards and create jobs and growth locally.
We supported our Western Balkan partners and Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia to get closer to the EU.
The von der Leyen Commission brought transatlantic cooperation to new levels, through close cooperation in support of Ukraine, as well as on energy, climate action, trade and technology. We also reset post-Brexit relations with the United Kingdom, putting one of our most important relationships back on a positive path.
Bongor, April 2023 - Construction works of a 620 meter bridge over the Logone River, which will connect Cameroon to Chad, financed by the EU under the Global Gateway strategy.
Bongor, April 2023 - Construction works of a 620 meter bridge over the Logone River, which will connect Cameroon to Chad, financed by the EU under the Global Gateway strategy.
St. John’s, November 2023 - European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in St. John’s, Canada, during the EU-Canada summit.
St. John’s, November 2023 - European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in St. John’s, Canada, during the EU-Canada summit.
Brazil, December 2020 - Workers installing the EllaLink cable at Praia do Futuro (Brazil), a flagship initiative of the Global Gateway strategy.
Brazil, December 2020 - Workers installing the EllaLink cable at Praia do Futuro (Brazil), a flagship initiative of the Global Gateway strategy.
Tirana , December 2022 - From right to left, Gitanas Nausèda, President of Lithuania; Andrej Plenković, Croatian Prime Minister; Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President; Eduard Heger, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia, and Edi Rama, Albanian Prime Minister.
Tirana , December 2022 - From right to left, Gitanas Nausèda, President of Lithuania; Andrej Plenković, Croatian Prime Minister; Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President; Eduard Heger, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia, and Edi Rama, Albanian Prime Minister.
New Delhi, September 2023 - From left to right, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in a session on 'Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment' as part of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India. © EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
New Delhi, September 2023 - From left to right, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in a session on 'Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment' as part of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India. © EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Addis Ababa, February 2020 - From left to right, Commissioner Helena Dalli, Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, and Former Commissioner Mariya Gabriel at the 10th EU/African Union Commission meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa, February 2020 - From left to right, Commissioner Helena Dalli, Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, and Former Commissioner Mariya Gabriel at the 10th EU/African Union Commission meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tirana, April 2022 - Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, in the center, during a visit to Dom Nikollë Kaçorri school, renovated after the earthquake by the EU4schools project.
Tirana, April 2022 - Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, in the center, during a visit to Dom Nikollë Kaçorri school, renovated after the earthquake by the EU4schools project.
Brussels, October 2023 - Former Commissioner Adina Vălean participates in the Global Gateway Forum.
Brussels, October 2023 - Former Commissioner Adina Vălean participates in the Global Gateway Forum.
Windhoek, January 2023 - Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen visits an EU-funded Early Childhood Development Centre at the Mixed Settlement in Namibia.
Windhoek, January 2023 - Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen visits an EU-funded Early Childhood Development Centre at the Mixed Settlement in Namibia.
A new chapter begins
Over the next 5 years, the new Commission led by President von der Leyen will focus on enhancing Europe’s prosperity and competitiveness, strengthening our defence and security, protecting our democracy and social model, to deliver for Europeans.
"The last five years have shown what we can do together. Let us do it again. Let us make the choice of strength. Let us make the choice of leadership. Let us make the choice of Europe."
Long live Europe
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