In the end, von der Leyen was forced to resign? Opposition from Hungary and Italy.

The question of whether Ursula von der Leyen can be re-elected as President of the European Commission remains uncertain, with opposition from Hungary and Italy reflecting deep-seated issues within the EU.

Recently, EU member state leaders unanimously agreed to nominate the current European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, for re-election.

However, this decision was not the result of a collective discussion among all member state leaders but was decided by the leaders of Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, and Poland.

On June 27-28, European leaders met in Brussels and ultimately decided on the new President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and the EU’s “foreign minister.”

Therefore, whether von der Leyen can secure her re-election remains undecided.

Notably, despite the unanimous support of the six main countries, von der Leyen still faces numerous challenges from member states such as Hungary.

On June 25, following the European Parliament elections, Hungary was the first to express dissatisfaction with the election results and questioned von der Leyen's re-election.

This move sparked widespread discussion on whether she could be successfully re-elected and whether there would be significant adjustments to the EU's China policy.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán was outspoken about von der Leyen, calling her tenure the worst five years in EU history.

He emphasized that the EU needs more efficient leadership and publicly called for her resignation.

Similarly, Italian Prime Minister Meloni and Czech Prime Minister Fiala also expressed dissatisfaction and opposition to von der Leyen's re-election.

Hungary's opposition to von der Leyen is not surprising, given that her policies and diplomatic style have been controversial, especially in handling relations with the US and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

She is seen as a “spokesperson” for the US rather than a true representative of EU interests.

During her tenure, von der Leyen's policies have clearly favored the US, leading to losses for Europe in various fields, especially in economic and geopolitical relations.

Her comprehensive sanctions against Russia and her stance on the China investment agreement have not only harmed the EU's economic development but also deepened the rift between China and Europe.

For example, the recent EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles have caused dissatisfaction among some member states, including Hungary and Poland.

In contrast, the German Vice Chancellor Habeck's statements during his visit to China were considered insincere, the Hungarian Minister of Economy explicitly opposed the EU's trade protectionist measures, and Polish President Duda's visit to China resulted in multiple cooperation agreements, further solidifying support for China.

As Hungary is about to assume the rotating presidency of the EU, its position and attitude are crucial to von der Leyen's re-election and future policy direction.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó stated on social media that Hungary would work to ensure that China and Europe do not engage in a trade war, demonstrating a determination to maintain stable China-Europe relations.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni's dissatisfaction stems not only from not being invited to discuss the EU leadership candidates but also from the deeper issues of the rise of far-right forces and the increasing contradictions with centrist or left-wing parties like those of German Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron.

Italy, under the influence of populism, naturally resents von der Leyen, and this sentiment may become more intense.

The US's backstabbing actions towards Europe have also exacerbated internal EU rifts.

After von der Leyen imposed tariffs on China, the American Dairy Association led a delegation to China to discuss cooperation, attempting to capture European market share.

This behavior has not only caused dissatisfaction among EU member states but also exposed the US's irresponsible attitude towards the EU, revealing who the real enemy of the EU is.

Although von der Leyen's re-election remains uncertain, adjustments to the EU's China policy are inevitable.

In the future, EU member states may make more independent foreign policy choices based on their national interests and the international situation, potentially leading to a degree of divergence in US-EU relations.

Moreover, von der Leyen's performance in handling internal affairs has also sparked considerable controversy.

Her measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were criticized for being slow and uncoordinated, leading to dissatisfaction among some member states.

Although the distribution and procurement of vaccines eventually achieved some success, the initial chaos and uncertainty exacerbated doubts about the EU leadership.

The issue of internal unity within the EU also became more apparent during von der Leyen's term.

Although Brexit occurred before she took office, her efforts to manage the subsequent impacts still face challenges.

Brexit has had profound effects on the political, economic, and social aspects of the EU, and von der Leyen has faced significant pressure in balancing the interests of various member states in responding to these challenges.

At the same time, von der Leyen's proactive stance on climate change and environmental policies has received mixed reviews.

Her advocacy for the "European Green Deal" has been widely recognized, but how to find a balance between environmental protection and economic development during its implementation remains a complex issue.

Some member states, especially those reliant on traditional industries and energy, have expressed concerns about these policies, fearing they may impact economic development and employment.

Additionally, the EU’s immigration policy poses a significant challenge for von der Leyen.

Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain have long borne the pressure of large numbers of immigrants.

Von der Leyen has tried to reach a consensus among member states to share the responsibility of resettling immigrants, but this issue remains divisive.

Some Eastern European countries strongly oppose receiving immigrants, leading to a lack of a unified stance and action on immigration policy within the EU.

In the face of these complex internal and external challenges, von der Leyen’s re-election is not only about her political future but also a significant indicator of the EU’s future development.

If she can be successfully re-elected, she will have the opportunity to continue promoting her policy agenda, including strengthening the EU's global leadership, advancing internal reforms, and achieving climate goals.

However, her re-election also requires more political wisdom and compromise to maintain unity and stability in a divided Europe.

Looking ahead, the EU needs to find its position on the global stage.

Whether in relations with China and Russia or in positioning itself among the US and other Western countries, the EU needs a clear and independent strategy.

The question of whether von der Leyen can be re-elected will, to some extent, affect the EU’s role and influence in international affairs.

Regardless of the outcome, the EU must find a path that aligns with its interests and values in a complex and ever-changing international environment.

Von der Leyen’s path to re-election is fraught with uncertainty.

The challenges she faces come not only from the external international situation but also from internal member state divisions and difficulties in policy implementation.

Her policies and leadership style over the past few years have sparked widespread debate and controversy, and regardless of whether she can be re-elected, her impact on the EU’s future will be profound.

At this critical moment, the EU needs to carefully choose its future leaders to address the new challenges of globalization and multipolarity and ensure that Europe continues to play a significant role on the international stage.