EU's Von der Leyen has not received invite to Trump inauguration, spokesperson says

European Union and Western Balkans countries leaders hold a summit in Brussels

FILE PHOTO: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a European Union and Western Balkans countries' summit in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2024. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not yet received an invitation to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, a spokesperson said on Friday.

"If she receives an invitation, then we will see but there are no plans (to attend the inauguration) at the moment", spokesperson Paula Pinho told reporters during a daily briefing.

Trump has broken with precedent and invited several foreign leaders to the ceremony. Historically they have not attended due to security concerns and have sent diplomats instead.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among others have received invitations.

According to reports, Xi will not attend but will send a top-level envoy in his place.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters