Von der Leyen health update: Key details on her pneumonia diagnosis

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is currently at home in Hanover, where she is resting and recovering from pneumonia.

Von der Leyen cancelled her external engagements for the first half of January as “she is taking care of herself and ensuring that she will be fully fit and able to resume her daily routine” after being diagnosed with pneumonia, confirmed the Commission’s spokesperson, Paula Pinho. 

“Pneumonia is a serious illness and needs to be treated as such, and that is what the President is doing,” she added. 

The College of Commissioners was scheduled to travel to Gdańsk for an informal meeting under the Polish Presidency of the European Council, which commenced its term on 1 January for the first half of 2025. 

The meeting has now been cancelled, and the Poles have not yet confirmed a new date for the engagement. 

Despite her illness, von der Leyen continues to “keep the business running” from Hanover, and there is no need to appoint a temporary replacement, the spokesperson has said. 

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may become filled with fluid or pus. 

At 66 years of age, von der Leyen falls into a high-risk group as she is over 65, Tiago Villanueva, family physician and president of the European Union of General Practitioners, told Euronews. 

“That is why, in winter, we tend to prioritise vaccinating people over 60–65 against flu, as pneumonia is often a complication of flu. Outcomes can be worse in this age group due to weakened immune systems and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases,” he added. 

Common symptoms include a persistent cough, which may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus, fever, chills, and shortness of breath. 

Other signs can include chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, and confusion, particularly in older adults. 

Pneumonia varies in severity, ranging from mild to critical. While it is usually not severe in young and healthy individuals, many cases — particularly in the elderly — may require hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics and treatments such as oxygen therapy. However, the majority of cases can be managed in general wards. 

During winter, flu leading to pneumonia often results in significant demand for healthcare services and hospital admissions.