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EU's Von der Leyen Faces Backlash Over Deleted Messages

9/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's auto-deleting text messages raise transparency concerns, especially regarding a January 2024 trade deal discussion with French President Macron.
The Commission confirmed receipt of the message but deleted it for security reasons.
Critics claim this practice hinders information access and transparency in the EU.
Journalists allege the Commission delays document requests and limits file access.
A spokesperson stated that von der Leyen's phone security settings are not public.

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Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's auto-deleting text messages raise transparency concerns, especially regarding a January 2024 trade deal discussion with French President Macron.
The Commission confirmed receipt of the message but deleted it for security reasons.
Critics claim this practice hinders information access and transparency in the EU.
Journalists allege the Commission delays document requests and limits file access.
A spokesperson stated that von der Leyen's phone security settings are not public.