BRUSSELS — The European Commission has firmly denied allegations of a cover-up concerning the health status of its president, Ursula von der Leyen, who was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. This denial came on Monday following questions about the lack of information regarding her hospitalization.

At 66, von der Leyen stands as the EU’s most prominent political figure. She recently marked the beginning of her second five-year term as commission president with significant international engagements, including visits to Ukraine and South America for a pivotal trade meeting.

On January 3, a statement from the Commission indicated that von der Leyen was suffering from severe pneumonia, leading to the cancellation of her appointments for the following two weeks. Her schedule was cleared of meetings in Lisbon and Poland, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency. Detailed information about her condition and the circumstances surrounding her illness was not disclosed, drawing criticism regarding the Commission's transparency.

Amidst scrutiny, spokesperson Paula Pinho responded, “We said that the president had severe pneumonia. We said she was dealing with a serious illness” while recuperating in her hometown of Hanover, Germany. Pinho clarified that although media was notified of the canceled appointments, von der Leyen continued to conduct crucial phone calls, including one with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.

Addressing concerns regarding the withheld details, Pinho stated, “We provided critical information about the health status of the president, indicating the nature and severity of her illness,” asserting that her capacity to function was never in doubt. Von der Leyen spent a total of eight days hospitalized from January 2-10, yet Pinho affirmed that she is recovering well and is expected to return to her office in Brussels soon.

The former German Defense Minister is known for her rigorous travel schedule, as she plans to attend an upcoming European Parliament session in Strasbourg, France, followed by a commitment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Since taking office in 2019, von der Leyen has spearheaded the EU’s efforts to secure COVID-19 vaccines and has emerged as a strong advocate for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. With political instability affecting key member states like France and Germany, she is actively seeking to expand her influence within the EU landscape.

For further details, view the original articles from AP News and Los Angeles Times.