0:00
0:00
Commission President von der Leyen Not Present at Notre Dame Reopening Due to Last-Minute Cancellation
Internal documents indicate a last-minute cancellation due to scheduling conflicts, despite prior confirmation of participation.
On December 7, 2024, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was absent from the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Documents acquired by Euronews reveal that the Commission's protocol only formally announced her absence a few hours prior to the event, despite her having confirmed attendance in a letter dated December 4, 2024, addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Internal communications indicated that von der Leyen was anticipated to participate in the ceremony and an ensuing dinner, but the Commission later attributed her cancellation to "scheduling issues."
This scheduling conflict coincided with an unplanned trip to Montevideo on December 6, where von der Leyen declared the conclusion of trade negotiations between the EU and Mercosur—a decision that faced criticism from French officials.
On December 9, a spokesperson for the Commission remarked that von der Leyen had never officially confirmed her participation to the Élysée due to impending scheduling complications.
The situation occurred during a prominent event featuring leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting inquiries regarding communication and planning protocols between the Commission and French authorities.
The Commission has not shared additional information regarding the scheduling conflicts.
Documents acquired by Euronews reveal that the Commission's protocol only formally announced her absence a few hours prior to the event, despite her having confirmed attendance in a letter dated December 4, 2024, addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Internal communications indicated that von der Leyen was anticipated to participate in the ceremony and an ensuing dinner, but the Commission later attributed her cancellation to "scheduling issues."
This scheduling conflict coincided with an unplanned trip to Montevideo on December 6, where von der Leyen declared the conclusion of trade negotiations between the EU and Mercosur—a decision that faced criticism from French officials.
On December 9, a spokesperson for the Commission remarked that von der Leyen had never officially confirmed her participation to the Élysée due to impending scheduling complications.
The situation occurred during a prominent event featuring leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting inquiries regarding communication and planning protocols between the Commission and French authorities.
The Commission has not shared additional information regarding the scheduling conflicts.
