Summary: Ursula von der Leyen – Europe's Trailblazing Physician-Politician Leading the EU into a Green Future

This episode explores the remarkable journey of Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to serve as President of the European Commission since 2019 and re-elected in 2024 for a second term. Born in Brussels in 1958 to a prominent European civil servant, von der Leyen’s early life was steeped in European ideals. Combining a medical career with motherhood to seven children, she transitioned into German politics, serving in Angela Merkel’s cabinet for 14 years before taking the helm of the European Commission.

Listeners will learn about her transformative leadership through major challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and Europe's ambitious Green Deal to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. Her technocratic and pragmatic style has helped navigate crises while pushing bold policies on climate, digital transformation, and social cohesion. Alongside her achievements, the podcast also addresses controversies during her time as Germany’s Defense Minister and the challenges she faces maintaining unity in an increasingly divided continent.

Join us for an insightful look at Ursula von der Leyen’s blend of expertise, resilience, and vision shaping Europe’s future in a rapidly changing world.