Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is a central figure in the political and technological landscape of the European Union. Born in 1958 in Brussels, she became the first woman to hold this position starting in December 2019. Before presiding over the Commission, she held various ministerial roles in Germany, notably serving as Minister of Defense from 2013 to 2019. Her career is marked by a constant commitment to strengthening European integration and positioning Europe as a global leader in various fields, particularly in new technologies.
A graduate in economics and medicine, Ursula von der Leyen has a multidisciplinary approach that has proven valuable in her role at the helm of the European Commission. She has placed technological innovation at the heart of her mandate, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. Under her leadership, the European Commission has developed strategies to make Europe more competitive on the global stage, notably in digital transformation and data protection.
Among von der Leyen's recent contributions is the launch of the "NextGenerationEU" plan, an ambitious €800 billion post-pandemic economic recovery program aimed at supporting Europe's digital and green transition. She has also been a strong advocate of the AI Act, a pioneering legislation aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the EU to ensure safe and trustworthy AI systems.
Von der Leyen has also announced major initiatives such as the €200 billion "Invest AI" fund, designed to bolster Europe's leadership in AI. This fund includes a €20 billion investment for the creation of AI giga-factories, intended to support the development of large-scale AI models.
Ursula von der Leyen has played a crucial role in promoting Europe as a major and reliable player in the field of AI. She has emphasized the importance of "trustworthy artificial intelligence," advocating for a European approach based on openness, cooperation, and talent excellence. Under her leadership, Europe has launched initiatives like the "Cloud and AI Development Act" and the "Data Union Strategy," aimed at tripling the capacity of European data centers and establishing a true internal data market.
In May 2025, Ursula von der Leyen announced a €500 million investment to enhance Europe's attractiveness as a scientific hub, highlighting the importance of addressing current gaps in the European scientific landscape. She was also a strong voice at the AI Action Summit, asserting that the AI race is far from over and that Europe must seize the opportunity to become a global leader in this field.
Additionally, von der Leyen has been active in establishing international collaborations, such as the digital partnership with Singapore and the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, to coordinate transatlantic approaches on critical trade, technology, and security issues.
In conclusion, Ursula von der Leyen continues to lead strategic initiatives to strengthen Europe's position on the global stage, focusing on technological innovation, digital sovereignty, and international collaboration. Her vision of a digital, sustainable, and competitive Europe reflects her commitment to building a better future for European citizens.
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