European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been diagnosed with severe pneumonia, her office announced on Friday. She will step away from her official duties for at least two weeks to prioritize her recovery.
Key Events Postponed During Recovery
Spokesperson Stefan De Keersmaeker confirmed that von der Leyen’s entire schedule has been cleared to accommodate her health needs. Several significant events have been affected, including:
- Speech in Lisbon: A planned address on the EU’s policy priorities has been postponed.
- Visit to Poland: The official inauguration of Poland’s EU Council Presidency, a pivotal moment as Poland assumes the rotating leadership of the 27-member bloc, will proceed without her presence.
“She is dealing with severe pneumonia,” De Keersmaeker stated, but did not elaborate further on her condition or its potential causes.
Leadership Challenges at a Critical Moment
The timing of von der Leyen’s illness is particularly challenging as it comes early in her second five-year term as European Commission president. The European Union currently faces numerous pressing challenges, including economic recovery efforts, advancing climate policies, and navigating complex geopolitical tensions.
Her absence raises concerns about leadership continuity during a crucial period for the bloc. As of now, no interim leadership plans have been announced, which leaves uncertainty regarding how the Commission will address ongoing initiatives and decision-making processes.
Implications for EU Governance
At 66 years old, von der Leyen has been instrumental in driving key EU policies and reforms. Her unexpected illness has highlighted the vulnerabilities of leadership roles at such high levels of responsibility.
In her absence, the European Commission is expected to redistribute her duties among senior officials to maintain operational stability. However, her temporary departure may still lead to delays in critical projects and discussions that shape the EU’s future.
Looking Ahead
While von der Leyen focuses on recovery, the European Union will aim to press forward with its agenda. Her leadership and decision-making have been central to the bloc’s progress, making her swift recovery a priority for both her team and EU member states.