European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to make the European Union more competitive in her second term as head of the EU executive arm. "Our freedom and sovereignty depend more than ever on our economic strength,

Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday secured European Parliament backing for her new team at the European Commission, paving the way for her to take office at the start of next month amid mounting challenges in Europe and across the Atlantic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the vote showed that 'the center is holding' in Brussels, but some experts disagreed.

Russia's war on Ukraine, Donald Trump and the poor health of the European economy will define the start of Ursula von der Leyen's second presidency. #EuropeNews

There are two majorities in the Legislative Assembly, with which the Commission president will have to contend. One is made up of conservatives, social democrats and liberals; the other is built around the right and the far right.

MEPs have voted to approve a second term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her new college of commissioners by a comfortable majority.

A majority of Members of the European Parliament gave on Wednesday the final approval to the new European Commission of Ursula von der Leyen. #EuropeNews

Europe needs a “massive” defence spending boost, Ursula von der Leyen has said. European nations are spending on average 1.9 per cent of GDP on defence, the EU Commission president said, pointing out the contrast to Russia’s 9 per cent spend.

The European Parliament has approved the new European Commission team led by Ursula von der Leyen. The vote comes as Brussels faces mounting international challenges.