The European Union Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has faced criticism for her handling of phone messages related to major deals. Lawmakers have proposed providing her with a phone that has sufficient storage capacity to prevent the loss of crucial communications. This move comes after von der Leyen’s office admitted to deleting or losing hundreds of messages, including those related to a €700 million contract and a €35 billion deal with Pfizer for Covid-19 vaccines.
The European Ombudswoman, Teresa Anjinho, has launched an investigation into the failure to retain these communications. The Commission attributed the deletion of the texts, sent via the Signal app, to storage limitations and other technical reasons. However, the EU’s Court of Justice has ruled that official communications from personal devices must be properly archived, prompting the Commission to review its protocols.
A group of 57 MEPs, led by German MEP Christine Anderson and Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, has co-signed an amendment calling for adequate funding to provide von der Leyen with a mobile phone that can preserve all messages without exception. This proposal has been described as a form of “trolling” by some, but it highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in official communications.
The controversy surrounding von der Leyen’s handling of phone messages has sparked concerns about the EU’s oversight and accountability mechanisms. The investigation by the European Ombudswoman and the proposed amendment aim to address these concerns and ensure that official communications are properly preserved and accessible.
The EU Commission has faced criticism for its handling of major deals, including the controversial contract with Pfizer. The loss of crucial communications has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the Commission’s decision-making processes. As the European Ombudswoman’s investigation continues, the EU Commission is expected to review its protocols and ensure that official communications are properly archived and preserved.
