60-year-old conservative von der Leyen said she wants all members of the Commission to work together towards a united and stronger Europe. She urged capital cities to nominate an equal number of men and women to her Commission.
In Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel praised von der Leyen as a long-time ally who is a "committed and convincing European" who would "tackles with great vigour the challenges facing us as the European Union". 
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that France would be by von der Leyen's side, saying that "Today, Europe bears your face. The face of engagement, ambition and progress." 
The president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, also congratulated her, declaring her, "a passionate fighter for Europe's unity."