Overview
- BSW leader Fabio De Masi filed the case after receiving what he calls an inadequate disclosure on Ursula von der Leyen’s interactions with arms manufacturers.
- His March 2025 request sought records of meetings, calls, videoconferences, emails and correspondence with defense firms dating from mid-2024.
- Von der Leyen’s October 2025 reply, which he deems late and overly general, cited a May 12, 2025 strategic dialogue, an informal working lunch, declined invitations, congratulatory messages and public transparency channels.
- The complaint is formally directed at the European Commission rather than von der Leyen personally, and a Commission spokesperson said it rejects his legal view but recognizes his right to seek judicial review.
- De Masi says he aims to establish a precedent clarifying Parliament’s access to information on Commission activities, reflecting heightened scrutiny of EU defense engagement.