Von der Leyen investigated over secret group chat with Zelensky – media
Posted on: Jun 25, 2026 03:51 IST | Posted by: Rt
< warm>
An EU guard dog is investigating European charge chairman Ursula von der Leyen over a secret group chat involving Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky and several other European leaders, according to the Dutch outlet Follow the Money (FTM).
The probe follows a complaint by FTM after the European Commission refused to release messages from a private group chat that reportedly included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Commission reportedly argued that disclosure could harm the EU’s relations with third countries.
In a letter sent to the Commission last week and cited by the outlet on Wednesday, European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho reportedly said she had opened an inquiry into the refusal to grant access to the communications.
Anjinho said the probe would examine whether the Commission complied with EU transparency rules when it rejected the request. She has also asked to meet Commission representatives by mid-July, FTM reported.
The group chat, dubbed the ‘Washington Group’, was first reported by Politico in January. Citing people familiar with the matter, Politico wrote at the time that participants had spent the previous year exchanging messages whenever US President Donald Trump did what they viewed as “something wild and potentially damaging.” According to media reports, the group was originally set up in response to the Ukraine conflict.
The reported inquiry is the latest in a series of controversies involving von der Leyen and the Commission’s handling of official records.
Last year, the EU’s General Court ruled that the Commission had improperly handled a request by the New York Times seeking access to text messages exchanged between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during negotiations over the bloc’s Covid-19 vaccine contracts. The Commission later pledged to review its record-keeping practices.
Earlier this month, Anjinho criticized the deletion of a text message sent by Macron regarding the EU’s proposed trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc. The Commission declined to release the message in response to a freedom of information request, saying it had been auto-deleted. Following a complaint by FTM, the Ombudsman concluded that the message had been deleted unlawfully and called on the Commission to improve the preservation and archiving of official communications, including text messages.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.