EU faces transparency probe over secret leaders' Trump chat

The European Ombudsman has opened an investigation into the European Commission’s refusal to disclose details of a private messaging group. The channel was used by the continent’s top politicians to coordinate their approach to US President Donald Trump.

The chat, reportedly dubbed the "Washington Group," included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. It was established last August following a joint White House visit to manage rapid reactions to the American president's statements.

The probe follows a January freedom of information request by Dutch investigative organisation Follow the Money. The Commission denied access in early March and again on 20 May, arguing that releasing the exchanges could damage the EU’s relations with non-member states. It cited an "exception relating to the protection of the public interest as regards international relations."

In a letter to von der Leyen last Friday, Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho said she would examine whether the Commission showed a lack of transparency. The complainant argued the executive failed to prove concrete harm from disclosure, did not assess whether partial access was possible, and avoided stating if the messages are officially held documents. A meeting between the two sides is not scheduled until mid-July.

Diplomatic risk

For European businesses and investors, the dispute highlights the fragile, highly personalised nature of current transatlantic relations. A source familiar with the group noted that "when things start moving quickly, it’s hard to do the coordination, and this group [chat] is really effective." The source added that "it tells you a lot about the personal relationships and how they matter."

The secrecy surrounding these communications mirrors a broader shift in European diplomacy. After initially avoiding provoking Trump, leaders have recently adopted a more confrontational public stance. Leaked details of a separate call revealed French President Emmanuel Macron warning that Trump could "betray" Ukraine, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner: "They are playing games, both with you and with us."

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said: "We must not leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these guys." Nato secretary general Mark Rutte concurred, stating: "I agree with Alexander – we must protect Volodymyr." The Ombudsman’s eventual ruling will now test whether European citizens have a legal right to see how their top officials are managing this critical alliance behind closed doors.