EU ponders future of top trade official after travel gaffe

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Commision President Ursula von der Leyen was weighing the fate of Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan after the Irishman became embroiled in controversy over a recent trip home and questionable adherence to COVID-19 rules.

Hogan on Tuesday sent an explanatory report about his travel and social functions over the past weeks, including a golf society dinner he has apologized for. His activities have come under fire back home amid allegations he skirted the rules other Irish citizens have to adhere to.

Von der Leyen “will be ready to complete her assessment when she feels that she has the full picture on this matter," Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant said, without mentioning a deadline.

Spinant said that it was “premature to talk about a change in the composition" of the EU Commission, which is comprised of one official of each of the 27 member states. The EU has consistently underscored the importance of adhering to all restrictions imposed by the member countries and turning a blind eye to infractions by its own top officials would undermine that effort.

Hogan holds an important position in the bloc's executive Commission, as he is the key person dealing with international trade issues, like commercial agreements with the United States or future relations with Britain, which officially left the EU on Jan. 31.

The scandal was fueled further by changes in Hogan’s account of his actions, as he issued a series of statements about his travel and adherence to the rules Ireland had imposed.

Hogan's detailed memorandum to von der Leyen sparked renewed allegations that he violated Irish quarantine rules after he returned to the country from Brussels last month. Ireland requires anyone returning from a country with high levels of COVID-19 to...