Will Ursula von der Leyen run for a third term as European Commission President?

Though Ursula von der Leyen is only halfway through her second term, speculation about a possible third term is already circulating in Brussels. Speculation is fuelled by her extensive restructuring of the European Commission and growing concerns about the concentration of power. Meanwhile, a peace agreement between the US and Iran has lowered oil and gas prices, but Europe's energy concerns have not disappeared.

Ursula von der Leyen is only halfway through her second term as European Commission President, yet the first rumours about a possible third term are already reaching Brussels. Political analysts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart have examined what is fuelling these speculations.

Power concentrated increasingly at the top

Among the main concerns is the extensive structural reorganisation of the European Commission implemented by von der Leyen, which has been accompanied by growing concentration of power in the hands of the Commission President. Critics argue that the decision-making process has become less transparent and the influence of Commission members has diminished.

The question of a third term is delicate, as convention envisages a maximum of two terms, although the EU's founding treaties do not explicitly prohibit it. Brussels political circles are watching von der Leyen's next moves closely.

US-Iran deal affects energy markets

Another important topic being discussed in Brussels corridors is the peace agreement between the US and Iran and its impact on energy markets. The agreement has brought about a decline in oil and gas prices, which has provided some relief to consumers, but Europe's long-term energy concerns have not gone away.

Europe's dependence on imported energy and the need to diversify supply sources remain priority issues, regardless of short-term price fluctuations on the market.

European social media platform W

Special attention should be given to the launch of a new social media platform, W, developed in Europe, which aims to compete with Elon Musk's platform X. The platform's distinguishing features are verified users, data hosting based in Europe, and a commitment to keep the platform free of bots. This is an ambitious attempt to create an alternative rooted in European values to American social media giants.