Von der Leyen Returns to Public Stage at EPP Summit in Berlin
European Commission President resumes duties after illness amidst transparency concerns.
BERLIN – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is poised to make her return to in-person official duties by attending a summit of her European People’s Party (EPP) in Berlin this Friday.
This marks her first public engagement since her recovery from a severe bout of pneumonia that necessitated hospitalization and convalescence at her home in Germany.
Von der Leyen's recent health issues have stirred concerns in the corridors of Brussels, especially regarding transparency and communication from the Commission.
During her illness, it became apparent that the President had experienced intermittent hospitalizations due to pneumonia, a fact that was initially withheld from public knowledge.
Despite the opacity over her health status, she is now reported to have made a substantial recovery.
Speaking to Euractiv on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Commission confirmed von der Leyen's attendance at the forthcoming EPP summit.
Hosted by Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democrats, the 'EPP Leaders’ Retreat' seeks to gather national leaders of the party to discuss strategic responses to forthcoming political challenges, notably as Germany approaches an election this coming February where Merz is considered a leading candidate for chancellor.
The summit is set to attract several EU heads of state and government affiliated with the EPP, underscoring the high stakes and anticipation surrounding the event as it also highlights the party's positioning within the broader European political landscape.
Von der Leyen’s case first garnered attention on January 3rd, when her office announced she would be canceling her travel plans until mid-January to recuperate in Hanover.
It later emerged that her condition necessitated hospitalization, amplifying scrutiny over the Commission’s initial failure to disclose this critical detail.
Nonetheless, when questioned further, the Commission's spokesperson maintained that all necessary information had been forthcoming, dismissing calls for an apology.
The President's re-emergence at the EPP summit is expected to refocus attention on the party's strategic discussions and von der Leyen’s role within both the party and the broader European Union at a time of significant political motion.
This marks her first public engagement since her recovery from a severe bout of pneumonia that necessitated hospitalization and convalescence at her home in Germany.
Von der Leyen's recent health issues have stirred concerns in the corridors of Brussels, especially regarding transparency and communication from the Commission.
During her illness, it became apparent that the President had experienced intermittent hospitalizations due to pneumonia, a fact that was initially withheld from public knowledge.
Despite the opacity over her health status, she is now reported to have made a substantial recovery.
Speaking to Euractiv on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Commission confirmed von der Leyen's attendance at the forthcoming EPP summit.
Hosted by Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democrats, the 'EPP Leaders’ Retreat' seeks to gather national leaders of the party to discuss strategic responses to forthcoming political challenges, notably as Germany approaches an election this coming February where Merz is considered a leading candidate for chancellor.
The summit is set to attract several EU heads of state and government affiliated with the EPP, underscoring the high stakes and anticipation surrounding the event as it also highlights the party's positioning within the broader European political landscape.
Von der Leyen’s case first garnered attention on January 3rd, when her office announced she would be canceling her travel plans until mid-January to recuperate in Hanover.
It later emerged that her condition necessitated hospitalization, amplifying scrutiny over the Commission’s initial failure to disclose this critical detail.
Nonetheless, when questioned further, the Commission's spokesperson maintained that all necessary information had been forthcoming, dismissing calls for an apology.
The President's re-emergence at the EPP summit is expected to refocus attention on the party's strategic discussions and von der Leyen’s role within both the party and the broader European Union at a time of significant political motion.
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