Von der Leyen tightens grip on EU’s steering wheel – and is moving it subtly to the right

The European Commission President has emerged from the Covid crisis stronger than ever – and is using her new-found authority to push the EU in a more conservative direction

Ursula von der Leyen has emerged from the Covid crisis stronger than ever.

After a rocky start to her presidency, she has steered the EU through the pandemic with a steady hand, winning praise from leaders and citizens alike.

This has given her a new sense of authority, which she is using to push the EU in a more conservative direction.

A subtle shift to the right

Von der Leyen’s shift to the right is subtle, but it is there.

She has appointed a number of conservative figures to key positions in the Commission, including Margrethe Vestager, the new Competition Commissioner, and Thierry Breton, the new Internal Market Commissioner.

She has also backed a number of conservative policies, such as the EU’s new migration pact, which has been criticized by human rights groups.

A pragmatic conservative

Von der Leyen is not a hard-line conservative.

She is a pragmatist who is willing to work with both the left and the right to get things done.

However, she is also a committed European who believes that the EU needs to be reformed in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

A stronger EU

Von der Leyen’s goal is to make the EU stronger and more united.

She believes that the EU can only be successful if it speaks with one voice and acts decisively.

She is also a strong supporter of the single market and the eurozone.

A more global EU

Von der Leyen also wants to make the EU more global.

She believes that the EU needs to play a more active role in the world, particularly in areas such as climate change and trade.

She is also a strong supporter of the EU’s relationship with the United States.

Conclusion

Von der Leyen has tightened her grip on the EU’s steering wheel – and is moving it subtly to the right.

She is a pragmatic conservative who is committed to making the EU stronger and more united.

She also wants to make the EU more global and play a more active role in the world.