Ursula von der Leyen is one of the most influential figures in European politics, but her path to power began in a doctor’s office. Before leading the European Commission as its first female president, she studied medicine, worked as a physician, and raised seven children – a journey from a medical practice in Hanover to the top of the EU that is a story of unexpected transitions and steady ambition.
Born: 1958 (age 66-67) ·
Nationality: German ·
Current office: President of the European Commission (since 2019) ·
Children: 7
Quick snapshot
- German nationality (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Mother of seven (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung)
- First woman President of the European Commission (European Commission)
- Licensed medical doctor (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Exact details of personal religious practices
- Precise stance on Israeli settlement policies
- Born 8 October 1958 in Brussels, Belgium (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung)
- Studied medicine at Hanover Medical School, graduated 1987 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Married Heiko von der Leyen around 1986 (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung)
- Became EC President 1 December 2019 (European Commission)
- Second term as EC President after re-election in July 2024 (European Commission)
- Continued leadership on Ukraine, climate (European Green Deal), and digital transformation (European Commission)
- Potential influence on EU-Israel relations (European Commission)
Ten key facts about Ursula von der Leyen, drawn from official and biographical sources:
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen |
| Born | 8 October 1958, Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Politician, physician |
| Political party | Christian Democratic Union (CDU) |
| Spouse | Heiko von der Leyen (m. 1986) |
| Children | 7 (two sons, five daughters) |
| Education | University of Hannover (MD), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine |
| Current office | President of the European Commission (since 1 December 2019) |
| Religion | Lutheran (Protestant) |
What is the nationality of Ursula von der Leyen?
Ursula von der Leyen is German by nationality, though she was born in Brussels, Belgium, on 8 October 1958. Her father, Ernst Albrecht, was a prominent German politician who served as minister-president of Lower Saxony. The family moved back to Germany when she was a child, and she grew up in the Hanover region. She is not Dutch, despite the common confusion with the name “Ursula” being associated with Irish or Dutch origins.
Is Ursula von der Leyen Dutch?
- No. She holds German nationality exclusively.
- Her birth in Brussels was due to her father’s work in the European institutions, not because of Dutch citizenship.
How old is Ursula von der Leyen?
- Born 8 October 1958, she is 66 years old as of 2025.
- Her age is widely reported in biographical profiles.
What was Ursula von der Leyen’s early life like?
- She grew up in a politically active family; her father was a CDU politician.
- She attended schools in Brussels and later in Germany.
- She initially studied economics at the University of Göttingen, Münster, and the London School of Economics before switching to medicine.
Her multinational upbringing — born in Belgium, educated in Germany and the UK — gives her a European perspective that shapes her leadership style in Brussels.
This background influences her European perspective.
Is Ursula von der Leyen a medical doctor?
Yes, Ursula von der Leyen is a trained and licensed medical doctor. She studied medicine at the Hanover Medical School, graduating in 1987, and earned her doctorate in medicine in 1991. She worked as an assistant physician in the gynecological clinic at Hanover Medical School from 1988 to 1992. She left clinical practice to enter politics full-time.
What is Ursula von der Leyen’s educational background?
- She studied economics at the University of Göttingen, the University of Münster, and the London School of Economics before switching to medicine.
- She earned her medical degree (MD) from Hanover Medical School in 1987.
- She obtained a doctorate in medicine in 1991.
Where did she study medicine?
- Hanover Medical School (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover).
- She also attended the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for postgraduate studies.
Did she practice as a doctor?
- Yes, she worked as an assistant physician at the gynecological clinic of Hanover Medical School from 1988 to 1992.
- She is a licensed physician but has not practiced medicine since entering politics.
A medical doctor overseeing EU health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic gave her a unique credibility that few other European leaders could claim.
Her medical training adds credibility to her health policy leadership.
Does Ursula von der Leyen have children?
Yes, Ursula von der Leyen has seven children: two sons and five daughters. She is married to Heiko von der Leyen, a professor of medicine and the CEO of a medical engineering company. The family lives near Hanover, Germany.
How many children does Ursula von der Leyen have?
- Seven children: two sons and five daughters.
- Her large family is frequently noted in biographical profiles.
Who is Ursula von der Leyen’s husband?
- Heiko von der Leyen, a professor of medicine and medical entrepreneur.
- They married in 1986 or 1987 (sources vary on exact year).
- He is a physician and holds a PhD in medicine.
Balancing a large family with high office is a notable aspect of her career.
What religion is Ursula von der Leyen?
Ursula von der Leyen is a member of the Protestant Lutheran Church. Her religious affiliation is documented in her official biographical materials. The name “Ursula” is of Latin origin, meaning “little she-bear,” and is not specifically Irish; the Irish equivalent is Úrsula.
Is Ursula an Irish name?
- No, the name Ursula is Latin in origin.
- It is used in many European languages, including Irish (Úrsula), but is not exclusively Irish.
What is the origin of the name Ursula?
- Derived from Latin ursa (bear), meaning “little she-bear.”
- It became popular in Germany and other parts of Europe through the story of Saint Ursula.
While her religious affiliation is public, the depth of her personal faith is not widely discussed, leaving room for speculation about how it influences her policy decisions.
Her religious affiliation is public, but its policy influence remains speculative.
Does Ursula von der Leyen support Israel?
Ursula von der Leyen has publicly expressed strong support for Israel’s right to self-defense, especially after the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023. She visited Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in October 2023, stating, “We are friends of Israel. When friends are under attack, we stand by them.” She also supports a two-state solution and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, aligning with overall EU foreign policy.
What is Ursula von der Leyen’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
- She has consistently backed Israel’s right to self-defense.
- She also calls for a two-state solution and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.
Has she condemned Hamas attacks?
- Yes, she strongly condemned the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.
- She said on X (formerly Twitter): “Israel has the right to defend itself against this horrific attack.”
Has she called for a two-state solution?
- Yes, she has publicly supported a two-state solution as part of the EU’s position.
- She has urged restraint and humanitarian access in Gaza.
Her strong pro-Israel stance after October 2023 drew criticism from some EU member states and human rights groups, creating a tension between her personal convictions and the EU’s more balanced foreign policy line.
Her stance creates diplomatic tensions within the EU.
Timeline
- 8 October 1958: Born in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium.
- 1980s: Studied medicine, earned medical degree.
- 1986: Married Heiko von der Leyen.
- 1990s: Practiced as a physician; later left medicine for politics.
- 2005–2009: German Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
- 2009–2013: German Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
- 2013–2019: German Federal Minister of Defence.
- 1 December 2019: Became President of the European Commission.
- 2024: Re-elected for a second term as President of the European Commission.
- October 2023: Strongly condemned Hamas attacks on Israel and expressed support for Israel.
These milestones trace her rise from medicine to European leadership.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ursula von der Leyen is German by nationality.
- She is a medical doctor.
- She has seven children.
- She is married to Heiko von der Leyen.
What’s unclear
- Exact details of her personal religious practices are not widely reported.
- Her stance on specific Israeli settlement policies is nuanced and not always explicitly stated.
- Her religious affiliation is documented as Lutheran, but the depth of her personal faith is unclear.
- Her position on Israel strongly supports self-defense, but details on settlement policies are not fully public.
The gaps in public knowledge reflect the privacy around personal matters.
Quotes from Ursula von der Leyen
“President of the @EU_Commission. Mother of seven. Brussels-born. European by heart.”
— Ursula von der Leyen, X profile description
“Ursula von der Leyen is the first woman to become President of the European Commission.”
— European Commission official biography
She publicly stated on X on 7 October 2023: “Israel has the right to defend itself against this horrific attack.”
On Instagram on 13 October 2023, she wrote: “We are friends of Israel. When friends are under attack, we stand by them.”
For the European Union, the choice is clear: continue supporting Ukraine, maintain a firm stance on climate action, and navigate the delicate balance between Israel and Palestine. Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership will be defined by how she manages these competing pressures.
Related reading: Monique Ryan: Biography, Political Career & Net Worth · Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s New Supreme Leader – Biography
apnews.com, linkedin.com, north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu, en.wikipedia.org, instagram.com, youtube.com, europeanmovement.ie, x.com, lse.ac.uk
For a deeper look into her early life and career, see Ursula von der Leyens biography.
Frequently asked questions
What political party does Ursula von der Leyen belong to?
She is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany.
What are Ursula von der Leyen’s main achievements as EC President?
She has led the European Green Deal, the EU’s digital transformation, and the bloc’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
How long has Ursula von der Leyen been President of the European Commission?
Since 1 December 2019, and she was re-elected for a second term starting in 2024.
Does Ursula von der Leyen speak multiple languages?
Yes, she speaks German, English, and French.
What is Ursula von der Leyen’s stance on climate change?
She is a strong advocate for climate action, launching the European Green Deal to make Europe carbon-neutral by 2050.
What is Ursula von der Leyen’s relationship with Angela Merkel?
They have a long history as colleagues in the CDU, though their relationship was sometimes described as competitive.
Has Ursula von der Leyen held any other government positions?
Yes, she served as German Minister of Defence, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and Minister of Family Affairs.
These FAQs cover the most common queries about her life and career.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.