Von der Leyen will create a Defense police station if she returns to office in the EU

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has unveiled plans to establish a Defense police station if she secures another term in office. Her announcement at the Munich Security Conference confirms her intention to lead the conservatives in the upcoming European elections and run for a second term, which she is expected to officially announce on Monday.

Von der Leyen is set to meet with the executive of her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in Berlin today, where sources from the party believe she will announce her availability. With the support of CDU president Friedrich Merz and no disagreements within the Bavarian wing of the party, the Christian Democratic Union (CSU), it is highly likely that the 65-year-old politician will be designated as the CDU-CSU candidate. Merz and Von der Leyen are scheduled to address the press following the party meeting.

The designation of Von der Leyen as the CDU-CSU candidate is essential for her to be officially elected as the head of the list for the European elections of the European People’s Party (EPP) at the upcoming congress in Bucharest on March 6th and 7th.

Rumors of Von der Leyen replacing Jens Stoltenberg as the head of NATO have been dispelled in recent weeks. According to German newspaper “Welt am Sonntag,” citing diplomatic sources, this is due to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz refusing to support her candidacy. The newspaper states that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had suggested Von der Leyen as Stoltenberg’s successor, a proposal that US President Joe Biden supposedly endorsed. However, Scholz declined for various reasons, considering the position too important to be held by a German Christian Democrat and expressing concerns about Von der Leyen’s critical stance towards Russia, which could have long-term disadvantages.

Both Scholz and Merz have a vested interest in Von der Leyen continuing to lead the European Commission for the next five years. Scholz, despite being a social democrat, wants to avoid further rifts within his government coalition and adheres to the coalition agreement, which stipulates that the right to appoint the German commissioner belongs to the Greens as long as the president of the Commission is not a German.

While Von der Leyen may not enjoy the same reputation in her home country as she does in Brussels, the EPP believes that her familiarity and the advantages of her position will help limit any potential loss of votes. Furthermore, Von der Leyen herself is keen to secure a second term after her election as the first German head of Europe in decades five years ago with a majority of just nine votes. Despite predictions of a shift to the right in the upcoming European elections, the EPP is likely to remain the strongest parliamentary group, giving Von der Leyen a good chance of securing a second term.

Von der Leyen has garnered support from heads of state and government as a capable crisis manager during the COVID-19 pandemic and for reorganizing the EU as a geopolitical player in the aftermath of two wars. Her strong backing from European capitals, including numerous heads of state within the EPP, further strengthens her position.

As for the race to lead NATO, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has emerged as a prominent contender, with whom Von der Leyen shared the stage at the Munich Conference. This forum presents an ideal opportunity for networking and seeking the support Rutte would need if he decides to pursue the position. Traditionally, the leadership of NATO falls to a European candidate.