Why She Made the List
Since taking office she has played a central role in coordinating the European Union’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, introducing sanctions against Moscow, supporting Ukraine economically and militarily, and strengthening Europe’s energy and defence resilience.
Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Europe’s collective response to one of the most significant security crises on the continent since the Cold War.
Summary Bio
Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission and the first woman to hold the office, overseeing the executive branch of the European Union.
Before becoming Commission President in 2019, von der Leyen served as Germany’s Minister of Defence.