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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Daniel Boffey in Brussels

EU executive rebuked for not disclosing Von der Leyen-Pfizer texts

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, second left, with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, center right, during an official visit to the Pfizer pharmaceutical company in Puurs, Belgium in April 2021
European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen (centre left) with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla (centre right) during an official visit to the Pfizer pharmaceutical company in Puurs, Belgium in April 2021. Photograph: John Thys/AP

An investigation by an EU watchdog into text messages sent by European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, to Pfizer’s CEO has found the EU’s executive arm guilty of “maladministration”.

Von der Leyen’s aides are heavily criticised in the ruling from Emily O’Reilly, the European ombudsman, for their handling of requests for publication of the messages sent during negotiations over vaccine purchases.

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