EU's 'Washington Group' scandal: Did Europe's top leaders operate a secret backchannel? | VdL, Merz

A major transparency controversy is unfolding in the European Union as an official watchdog investigates European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over a secret leaders’ group chat reportedly involving Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, and Keir Starmer. The inquiry follows complaints over the refusal to release messages exchanged within the so-called “Washington Group.” Critics argue the case raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and how Europe’s most powerful leaders conduct sensitive diplomacy behind closed doors. The investigation also revives scrutiny over previous text-message scandals involving COVID vaccine negotiations and deleted communications.