Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters
The British newspaper The Economist has highlighted the strategic skill of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in working with political forces outside the traditional centre. The magazine calls her approach a “new doctrine” capable of ensuring a broader consensus in the face of the growing popularity of radical parties in the EU.
Von der Leyen has not only won support for a second five-year term, but has also become a leader who has successfully adapted to the political changes sweeping Europe. Her strategy is to have clear rules for cooperation with some parties on the right of the spectrum, including Prime Minister Georgia Maloney’s Brothers of Italy, which supports the EU and Ukraine.
Von der Leyen criteria
The Economist notes that von der Leyen has established three key principles for defining partner parties:
- Respect for the rule of law.
- Support for Ukraine.
- Commitment to European integration.
These criteria immediately exclude players such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose sympathies lean towards Moscow, or Marine Le Pen’s party in France.
However, von der Leyen believes that cooperation with some parties outside the centre, such as the Italian Brothers, is justified. This party, although conservative, supports Ukraine and cooperates with the EU without significant conflicts.
Where is the limit?
At the same time, the magazine notes that in some cases, the avoidance of cooperation is obvious. For example, the Alternative for Germany(AfD) because of its xenophobic and extremist positions, as well as individual politicians such as Romanian Kalin Georgescu, whom The Economist calls a “pro-Russian populist” and “anti-vaccinationist”.
A new political balance
In the light of the growing influence of radical parties in Europe, von der Leyen demonstrates a willingness to compromise, which, according to The Economist, could strengthen the EU’s democratic institutions. Her approach allows radical parties to participate in policy-making and be held accountable for its outcomes, which in turn helps to soften their positions.
With challenges including the defence of Europe, financing the war in Ukraine, and EU enlargement, von der Leyen’s strategy could be the key to maintaining stability in a changing environment.
