EU watchdog investigates European Commission chief von der Leyen over secret group chat with Zelensky and European leaders

The European Ombudsman has launched an inquiry into European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen due to reports of a secret group chat involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several other European leaders. This investigation aims to determine whether von der Leyen's actions violated transparency norms within the EU institutions. The probe is significant because it questions the integrity and openness of high-level communications, which are crucial for maintaining public trust and the democratic process within the European Union. Such a breach, if confirmed, could have serious implications for governance and accountability in the EU.