Six challenges set to define Ursula von der Leyen's legacy at the European Commission
With three years left in her term, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces six major tests — from reviving European industry to funding the EU's next budget — as she prepares her State of the EU speech on September 16.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has three years remaining in her second term, which ends in 2029. According to Politico's Brussels Playbook, she may not seek a third term, meaning this period could represent the final stretch of her career in Brussels. Her tenure so far has largely been defined by crisis management, from the Covid-19 pandemic to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the war in Gaza.
On September 16, von der Leyen will deliver her State of the EU speech, outlining her plans for the coming years. European Parliament vice presidents from different political groups have noted that what matters most will be concrete results for citizens, not just rhetoric.
Six key issues
First, von der Leyen must try to reverse Europe's economic decline. Following a competitiveness report by Mario Draghi, the Commission has promised an industrial strategy, but high energy prices, fragmented capital markets and competition from Chinese EVs, batteries and steel continue to pressure European industry.
Second, she must continue defending EU digital rules against pressure from Washington. Fines against Apple, Meta and Google, along with plans to restrict social media use for children under 13, risk further friction with the Trump administration.
Third is balancing climate policy against industrial strain — von der Leyen faces pressure to simplify Green Deal rules while maintaining environmental ambition amid worsening heat waves and wildfires.
Fourth, she must strengthen European defense and support for Ukraine, including through the €150 billion SAFE program, even as member states disagree over spending levels.
Fifth, she needs to keep EU enlargement credible for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans, which still must complete reforms on rule of law and anti-corruption measures.
Sixth, funding all of this depends on the EU's next long-term budget. The Commission has proposed nearly €2 trillion for 2028-2034, but cohesion-focused countries and fiscally frugal states remain divided over priorities. The new budget must take effect on January 1, 2028, meaning a deal must be reached before a wave of elections in major EU countries in 2027.
