EU Leaders Criticized for Private Jet Trip from Brussels to Luxembourg
Criticism arises following a private aircraft flight taken by key EU officials for a brief commemoration event.
Last Friday, the presidents of the European Union's three main institutions—European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and Council President António Costa—took a private jet for a round trip of just over 200 kilometers between Brussels and Luxembourg.
The flight coincided with Schuman Day celebrations attended by Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden.
The usage of a private jet for this relatively short distance has drawn criticism from several quarters, particularly for its perceived extravagance.
Tilly Metz, a Member of the European Parliament from Luxembourg representing the Greens, described the action as a scandal.
She emphasized the importance of public figures setting a good example, stating, "At a time when politicians should be doing everything they can to set a good example and be coherent, this is simply indefensible."
The distance between Brussels’ EU quarter and Luxembourg City can range from 190 to 228 kilometers, depending on the travel route chosen.
While the journey typically takes around three hours by train, it can take about two hours by car if a police escort is provided to facilitate traffic clearance for VIP travel.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the European Commission, Paula Pinho, defended the decision, explaining that the flight was deemed necessary to ensure that all three presidents could attend the event simultaneously.
Pinho stated, "This is justified because it was really exceptional and it was the only way of making sure that the three presidents could be present.
Obviously, it is indeed considerably faster than if you take the car."
The flight coincided with Schuman Day celebrations attended by Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden.
The usage of a private jet for this relatively short distance has drawn criticism from several quarters, particularly for its perceived extravagance.
Tilly Metz, a Member of the European Parliament from Luxembourg representing the Greens, described the action as a scandal.
She emphasized the importance of public figures setting a good example, stating, "At a time when politicians should be doing everything they can to set a good example and be coherent, this is simply indefensible."
The distance between Brussels’ EU quarter and Luxembourg City can range from 190 to 228 kilometers, depending on the travel route chosen.
While the journey typically takes around three hours by train, it can take about two hours by car if a police escort is provided to facilitate traffic clearance for VIP travel.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the European Commission, Paula Pinho, defended the decision, explaining that the flight was deemed necessary to ensure that all three presidents could attend the event simultaneously.
Pinho stated, "This is justified because it was really exceptional and it was the only way of making sure that the three presidents could be present.
Obviously, it is indeed considerably faster than if you take the car."
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
