EU Ombudsman criticizes von der Leyen’s Greek vacation amid ethical concerns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has come under fire for a summer 2023 vacation spent at Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ residence in Crete. The trip, coinciding with deliberations on von der Leyen’s potential second term, has been labeled an ethical violation by EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly.
O’Reilly criticized the vacation as exposing structural deficiencies in EU ethical guidelines, highlighting delays and contradictions in the Commission’s responses to complaints about the matter. She emphasized that such delays undermine transparency and accountability, key tenets of good governance.
While EU rules generally restrict Commission members from accepting hospitality outside diplomatic courtesies, there remains ambiguity when it comes to the President’s actions. Critics argue that this grey area fosters ethical controversies.
The incident is not von der Leyen’s first ethical challenge; references to past controversies, including a secretive Pfizer vaccine deal, were raised by opponents who view these issues as systemic governance problems.
With von der Leyen’s confirmation for a second term expected soon, the ethical debate continues to divide members of the European Parliament.
