Universities give thumbs-up to prospect of second term for Ursula von der Leyen

Sector leaders say return of Commission president could provide stability amid rise of right-wing politics

University leaders have largely welcomed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s desire to run for a second term, saying it could provide stability amid an expected rise in right-wing politics.

Earlier this week the German former defence minister said she would like another five years heading up the Commission, which has sole power to initiate new EU law and oversees laws signed off by the European Parliament and the Council of EU member state governments.