Ursula von der Leyen's Biography

Ursula von der Leyen is a prominent German politician and the first female President of the European Commission, a role she has held since December 2019. Born on October 8, 1958, in Brussels, Belgium, von der Leyen grew up in a politically active family, with her father serving as a European civil servant. She pursued her education in economics and medicine, graduating from the University of Göttingen and Hanover Medical School, before embarking on a career in both medicine and politics. Von der Leyen's political journey began in earnest when she joined Angela Merkel's cabinet in 2005 as Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. She later became Germany's first female Defense Minister, overseeing a period of significant transformation and modernization in the Bundeswehr. In 2019, she reached the pinnacle of European politics by becoming President of the European Commission, where she has championed issues such as climate action, digital transformation, and European unity. Famed for her commitment to gender equality and European integration, von der Leyen is recognized for her leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the European response to global crises. Despite facing controversies, including scrutiny over defense procurement and academic credentials, she remains a steadfast advocate of a stronger, more united Europe. Outside of politics, von der Leyen enjoys horse riding, hiking, and spending time with her family. She is married to Heiko von der Leyen and is a mother of seven, embodying a unique blend of professional achievement and personal dedication.