EU Commission Dismisses Trump’s Claim of European Leaders’ Visit to Washington.
The European Commission has stated it is unaware of any European leaders traveling to Washington this week, contradicting comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press briefing on September 8, Commission spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized that, to his knowledge, no EU heads of state or government are currently in the U.S. or en route. “I cannot speak on behalf of the member states, but as far as I know, no other leaders are in Washington or on their way there,” Gill told journalists, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Gill did confirm that a delegation led by David O’Sullivan, the EU’s special envoy for sanctions, is presently in Washington. O’Sullivan and his team of experts are holding technical discussions with American counterparts aimed at strengthening the sanctions regime against Russia. These consultations, officials said, are part of a broader transatlantic effort to ensure the effectiveness of restrictive measures imposed since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The spokesperson further noted that recent exchanges between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Trump have centered on preparations for the EU’s next sanctions package. Brussels is currently working on its 19th round of measures, which could expand restrictions on Russian financial systems, energy exports, and other critical sectors.
Trump, however, appeared to suggest a different narrative in remarks made on September 7. Addressing reporters, he claimed that several unnamed European leaders would be traveling to the United States “individually” on Monday or Tuesday to explore possible pathways toward ending the war in Ukraine. He did not provide details or specify which leaders he was referring to, leaving uncertainty over whether the comment reflected actual diplomatic plans or a more general appeal for engagement.
The divergence underscores a degree of confusion between Washington and Brussels over the current state of high-level coordination. While EU envoys are indeed in the U.S. to discuss sanctions policy, there is no indication, at least from the Commission, of imminent visits by European heads of government to the White House.
