European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

September 16, 2026 3:34 PM

EU opens door for Canada to become its first associate member, von der Leyen says

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is opening the door for Canada to become its first "associate member", a status that is not set out in the bloc's treaties. Von der Leyen's announcement is a significant shift in EU policy. The bloc has historically resisted flexible categories and EU members were lukewarm in reacting to Germany's proposal in May of associate membership for Ukraine as a stepping stone to full accession. "Partnerships are a strategic cho...

April 15, 2026 5:06 PM

EU age verification app ready as Europe moves to curb children’s social media access

The EU's age verification app for online platforms is ready and will soon be available to use, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, as member states push ahead with plans to limit children's access to social media. Following Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for children launched last year, a growing number of European nations are weighing their own restrictions as concerns mount over social media's impact on the health and safety of minors. "We are m...

January 27, 2026 9:05 AM

President Murmu hosts traditional ‘At Home’ reception on Republic Day

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, bringing together prominent dignitaries to mark the conclusion of the day’s celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and several other distinguished guests attended the reception. The ‘At Home’ event is a long-stan...