Ukraine could join the European Union before 2030 if the country continues its reforms at their current speed and quality, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters in Kyiv on Monday.

Ursula von der Leyen is about to face the most serious challenge to her leadership since she became European Commission president six years ago. And it won’t come from Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. It will come from her own supposed party ally, Germany’s expected chancellor-to-be, Friedrich Merz.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have arrived in Kiev in a show of support on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of its neighbour.

Von der Leyen not only brushed off the ombudsman’s rebuke but doubled down by officially limiting access to certain kinds of documents, in a move that is being challenged by environmental NGO ClientEarth. Consolidating her grip on the Commission’s outward image, von der Leyen has also further reduced the institution’s number of spokespeople.

Ursula von der Leyen reaffirms the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, providing €134 billion in aid and accelerating arms deliveries. She emphasizes Ukraine’s sovereignty as a global priority, pledging economic,

Europe is here to strengthen Ukraine at this critical moment. I can announce that a new payment of $3.7 billion will arrive in March,” Ursula von der Leyen said in Kyiv at an international summit supporting Ukraine.