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Ursula von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen is a prominent German politician currently serving as President of the European Commission, a role she has held since 2019. She was re-elected for a second term in July 2024. Prior to this influential European position, she had a distinguished career in German federal politics, notably as Minister for Family Affairs and Youth (2005-2009), Minister for Labour and Social Affairs (2009-2013) and the first female Minister for Defence (2013-2019). A medical doctor by training, her leadership at the Commission has focused on initiatives like the European Green Deal and coordinating the EU’s response to global challenges.

Former European Council president Charles Michel. Photo: Handout

China exports

As China-EU trade talk deadline nears, ex-Brussels official adopts bullish tone

The former president of the European Council says the two sides are approaching a common ground.

8 minutes ago

Ursula von der Leyen

As China-EU trade talk deadline nears, ex-Brussels official adopts bullish tone

The former president of the European Council says the two sides are approaching a common ground.

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Europe’s future depends less on finding new ways to constrain China than on fixing the limitations Chinese competition has exposed.

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Opinion | Europe wants to confront China – but without the consequences

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount