Ursula von der Leyen

ABOUT

Ursula von der Leyen is a prominent German politician who has served as the President of the European Commission since December 1, 2019. Born Ursula Gertrud Albrecht on October 8, 1958, in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium, she is a member of the European People's Party (EPP). Before assuming her current role, she held several key positions in the German government, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service and European unity.

BEFORE FAME

Before her entry into high-profile political roles, von der Leyen pursued an academic and professional career that laid the foundation for her future achievements. She studied economics at the University of Göttingen and the University of Münster, before switching to medicine and completing her medical studies at the Hanover Medical School. Von der Leyen obtained her doctorate in medicine in 1991. Her political journey began in earnest when she joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 1990 and ascended through the ranks, becoming a member of the Bundestag in 2002.

TRIVIA

1. Multi-lingual Abilities: Von der Leyen is fluent in both German and English, which enables her to effectively communicate in the multilingual environment of the European Union.
2. First Female President: She is the first woman to hold the position of President of the European Commission.
3. Health Initiatives: During her tenure as Germany's Minister of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, von der Leyen championed policies aimed at improving childcare and parental leave, which earned her significant recognition.
4. Military Leadership: As the first female Minister of Defence in Germany, she focused on modernizing the Bundeswehr and improving the conditions for troops.
5. Academic Honors: She has been recognized with honorary doctorates from several universities for her contributions to politics and society.

FAMILY LIFE

Ursula von der Leyen comes from a notable family; her father, Ernst Albrecht, was one of the first European civil servants and later served as the Prime Minister of Lower Saxony. She married Heiko von der Leyen, a professor of medicine, in 1986. The couple has seven children together. The von der Leyen family managed to maintain a balance between Ursula's demanding political life and a strong family bond, reflecting her personal values of dedication and resilience.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout her political career, Ursula von der Leyen has collaborated with various influential figures in both German and European politics. She has worked closely with notable leaders such as Angela Merkel, under whose Chancellorship she served in multiple ministerial positions. As President of the European Commission, she frequently interacts with heads of state and government across the continent, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former European Council President Donald Tusk. Her work emphasizes the importance of cooperation and solidarity within the European Union.

Ursula von der Leyen remains a pivotal figure in European politics, promoting progressive policies and fostering integration across the EU. Her career reflects a blend of expertise, leadership, and a profound commitment to public service.