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The European Commission has re-elected its president, Ursula von der Leyen, for another five-year term Thursday (July 18) as the continent is facing crises from the war in Ukraine to climate change to migration to economic issues.

The Associated Press reported that von der Leyen stated that she and her supporters would be working for a "strong Europe" in the economic, security, and defense sectors.

It is understood that she was re-elected by a clear majority of 401 lawmakers of the 720-seat legislature after she pledged to be a strong leader for Europe in a time where its society is facing crisis and polarization.

Von der Leyen Pledges Support for Farmers, Home Buyers; Lashes Out on Orban

Before the vote, Reuters reported that von der Leyen said that there is a need for a "new approach" to the bloc's competition policy, as well as equitably supporting companies scaling up in global markets.

She added that the EU's antitrust regulators would increase its implementation of the continent's Digital Markets Act, which limits the power of Big Tech, and the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to police illegal and harmful online content.

In addition, Von der Leyen particularly pledged to help farmers after a series of protests against what was perceived as the European Union's (EU) bureaucracy and environmental rules. She also vowed to deal with housing shortages across the continent, as well as appoint a commissioner for Mediterranean affairs to deal with multiple issues affecting the region.

During her acceptance speech, she also lashed out against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his visit to Russia after his country took over the rotating six-month bloc presidency.

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Europe, European Union, European Commission, Economy, Ukraine, Russia