Facts for Kids

Ursula von der Leyen is a German politician who became the 13th president of the European Commission in July 2019 🌍. She's important because the European Commission helps countries in Europe work together and create rules that everyone must follow. Ursula is the first woman to hold this position, which makes her a super inspiring leader for many girls and boys! She was born on October 8, 1958, in Brussels, Belgium, but grew up in Germany 🇩🇪. Her job is to make sure the 27 countries in the European Union (EU) cooperate and solve problems together.

Ursula von der Leyen loves her family! She has seven children, which is quite a big family! 👨

‍👩‍👧‍👦 She enjoys spending time with them, and they often inspire her ideas. Ursula also loves to cook and believes in healthy eating. When she has some free time, she enjoys running and staying active 🏃‍♀️. These personal hobbies help her stay healthy and energetic to tackle her important job. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for her; it keeps her happy and motivated!

The future looks bright for Ursula von der Leyen! She continues to work hard on important issues like climate change, health, and digital innovation 🌈. Her leadership will play a vital role in determining how Europe addresses challenges like the environment and economic growth. Many believe she will inspire the next generation of leaders to strive for unity and cooperation. Ursula shows that with determination and teamwork, we can create a better future for everyone. Who knows what amazing things are coming next in her journey? ✨

Ursula’s political journey started in 2003 when she joined the board of her political party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) 🎉. In 2005, she became Germany's Minister of Family Affairs, where she worked on children’s rights and family support. Over the years, she took on many different roles, including Minister of Defense, where she managed the German military. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, she was chosen to be the president of the European Commission! She always fights for people’s rights and makes sure their voices are heard.

Ursula von der Leyen has received many awards throughout her career! 🌟

In 2020, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME magazine. She has also been recognized for her work in women’s rights and health policies. In addition, many organizations and countries have honored her contributions to European unity and climate action. These awards show how much people appreciate her hard work and dedication to making Europe a better place!

Ursula von der Leyen had a special childhood! She was born into a family that loved learning. Her dad was a famous politician, and her mom was a teacher 👩‍🏫. She studied medicine at the University of Hanover, where she became a doctor! 🌟

Ursula also studied economics and gained important skills to help her in her political career. She finished her education by becoming a professor, teaching others about health. Education was very important to her, and this love for learning has helped her lead Europe.

Leading the European Union isn’t always easy! Ursula von der Leyen faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic 😷. Some countries disagreed about vaccine distribution and support. Additionally, not everyone agreed with her climate policies. Some people believed they could be too expensive or hard to follow. However, Ursula continues to push for what she believes in, proving that it's essential to listen to different opinions and work collaboratively. Being a strong leader means facing challenges and finding solutions with courage and teamwork 💪.

Ursula von der Leyen has introduced many important policies! One of her main goals is to fight climate change 🌎. She launched the European Green Deal, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050! She is also passionate about digital technology and created plans to improve internet access for everyone 💻. Furthermore, she works on ensuring that there are enough vaccines and medical support for everyone in Europe. These policies help protect the planet and the health of all European citizens!

Ursula von der Leyen has made a huge impact on European politics! Her leadership has encouraged countries to work together to solve common problems 🌟. She promotes unity and cooperation, which is essential for peace in Europe. Ursula also champions gender equality, supporting women in politics and work. By listening to young people and their ideas, she inspires the next generation to be involved in shaping Europe’s future. Thanks to her dedication, many people believe the EU is growing stronger and more connected than ever!

As president of the European Commission, Ursula leads an important team that helps make decisions for the European Union 🌈. Her job is to create laws and rules that affect all 27 EU countries, like protecting the environment and improving the economy 🌱. Ursula also meets with leaders from all over Europe to discuss important topics like health and safety. She aims to ensure that the EU can work together on big challenges, and she encourages everyone to make Europe a better place for all!