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Ursula von
der Leyen
At Europe’s helm
BY JENS STOLTENBERG
Ursula von der Leyen gets things done—
efficiently and calmly. In turbulent times,
these skills are essential. She is a true
Atlanticist—a German who was born and
raised in Belgium, educated in the U.K.
and Germany, and lived in the U.S. Her
steady hand and cool head helped keep the
transatlantic bond strong through challenging
years when she was the Defense Minister
of Germany. Her support was key as we
strengthened NATO following Russia’s illegal
annexation of Crimea in 2014.
She continues to get things done at the
European Commission. The pandemic
recovery plan, the European Green Deal
on climate change, the strong E.U. sanctions
against Russia, and support for Ukraine all
testify to this. And her leadership has helped
raise the partnership between NATO and the
E.U. to unprecedented levels.
It is always enlightening to speak to
Ursula, not just about the latest crisis, but also
issues like parental leave and child benefits,
which are close to our hearts. I know she will
continue to get things done—for a better
world.Stoltenberg is the secretary- general of NATO