European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not seek a third term in office during the elections scheduled for 2029. The decision marks a significant shift in the future leadership trajectory of the European Union's executive branch.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, which cited reports from Politico based on two high-ranking officials, the announcement was made by von der Leyen’s chief of staff, Björn Seibert, during a private dinner. The statement was reportedly intended to dispel concerns that the Commission president’s planned structural reforms were an attempt to consolidate power, thereby clarifying that she has no intention of pursuing a third term.
In response to the reports, an official spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized that von der Leyen remains focused on her current mandate and addressing the pressing challenges facing Europe, including the upcoming G7 summit and this week's European Council meeting. The spokesperson noted that it is premature to speculate on the political landscape of 2029. The European Commission serves as the executive arm of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and upholding the EU treaties, making the leadership of its president a critical factor in European geopolitics.
- Von der Leyen is currently focused solely on executing her current mandate and solving urgent European issues.
- These priorities include preparations for the G7 summit and the upcoming European Council meeting.
- The Commission noted that there is ample time to consider the political outlook for 2029.
Previously, reports emerged that European Union member states were discussing fundamental reforms to the European External Action Service (EEAS) following perceived shortcomings in the diplomatic service under the leadership of Kaja Kallas.
