We are alarmed by the interference into the domestic politics of our democratic ally, as well as the anti-democratic excesses of EU politicians who continue to divide our society and question fundamental rights and freedoms.

European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly called the incident “a wake-up call for all EU institutions about ensuring accountability in an era of instant messaging.”

Ataman’s appointment has been sharply criticized not only by the centrist and rightist opposition but also by top members of the liberal, pro-business Frei Demokratische Party (FDP), which is one of the three governing coalition partners.

Kukies said that weaning from European reliance on the 158 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year of gas that Russia supplies is the block’s biggest energy challenge.

The Irish Data Protection Commission took the unprecedented decision to block all data transfers between Europe and the United States.