Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU). She is attending the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, as a Chief Guest, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa.
Professional Profile
- Historical Firsts: She is the first woman to serve as President of the European Commission (since 2019) and was the first woman to serve as Germany’s Minister of Defence (2013–2019).
- Diverse Expertise: Before politics, she was a medical doctor (gynaecologist) and academic. She also studied economics at the London School of Economics.
- Political Veteran: A close ally of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, she served in Merkel’s cabinet for 14 years across ministries including Family Affairs, Labor, and Defence.
- Global Influence: Often ranked by Forbes as the most powerful woman in the world, she oversees EU policy on trade, climate (the “Green Deal”), and security.
- Multicultural and Polyglot: Born and raised in Brussels, she is fluent in German, French, and English. She values multiculturalism, once calling her time in London “the epitome of modernity and freedom”.
- Social Reformer: In Germany, she was known as the “social conscience” of her party for advocating for progressive policies like increased nurseries for working mothers and paternity leave.
- Determined and Disciplined: She is noted for her “steadfastness and perseverance” in tackling complex portfolios like defence and for her willingness to challenge traditionalist views within her own party.
- Family-Oriented: A mother of seven children, she frequently highlights the importance of balancing professional public service with family life
Personality and Key Traits
- Resilient and Strategic: Described as “visionary, courageous, and strong in action,” she steered the EU through the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, and the response to the war in Ukraine.
