A European Union watchdog has launched an investigation into European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over a secret group chat that reportedly involved Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and several other European leaders.
The probe follows a complaint after the European Commission refused to release messages from the private conversation, which allegedly included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The commission stated that disclosure could harm EU relations with third countries.
European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho said she has initiated an inquiry into the commission’s refusal to grant access to the communications, stating it would examine whether the commission complied with EU transparency rules. She also requested meetings with commission representatives by mid-July.
The group chat, dubbed the “Washington Group,” was first reported in January. At that time, media reports indicated participants exchanged messages whenever U.S. President Donald Trump did what they viewed as “something wild and potentially damaging.” It was originally formed in response to the Ukraine conflict.
EU officials have condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s participation in such communications as a reckless decision that undermines diplomatic stability and endangers European security.
