The outcome of the vote was not a surprise - but the fact it came about at all was not a positive signal for von der Leyen.

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference, European leaders pledged long-term support for Kyiv’s defense and reconstruction. Starmer and Macron revealed “ready” peacekeeping plans, while von der Leyen announced €4 billion in grants and a major reconstruction fund.

When asked for comments on reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made three demands to China on Tuesday, including one regarding cooperation with Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning responded on Wednesday that the normal cooperation between China and Russia does not target any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party.