Did the EU cover up Ursula von der Leyen's health crisis?

In Brussels, the European Commission confirmed that Ursula von der Leyen, its president, was hospitalized due to severe pneumonia. This announcement, made on January 3, raised concerns regarding the transparency of the EU's executive branch, especially in how information about her health was communicated. Von der Leyen, a prominent EU political figure at 66 years old, recently completed a visit to Ukraine and South America for trade discussions, marking the start of her second term in September. Consequently, her sudden illness had significant implications for her schedule, which included canceled appointments in Portugal and Poland. The reporting on her health status came under scrutiny as the commission did not disclose details about her hospitalization until later. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho addressed questions from the media, emphasizing that they had informed about von der Leyen's serious illness and her canceled meetings but had not provided specifics on her admission to the hospital. The lack of transparency raised questions regarding the communication practices within the EU, highlighting the challenges faced by public officials in managing their health issues alongside their public responsibilities. Von der Leyen spent eight days in the hospital, from June 2-10. During her illness, she was still able to conduct essential commission business and had made phone calls, ensuring some level of governance continued despite her health situation. As a former defense minister of Germany, von der Leyen previously garnered significant attention for her role in securing COVID-19 vaccines for the EU. As her presidency continues, she is expected to attend a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg and participate in discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The European Commission's response to the criticisms regarding their handling of van der Leyen's health situation highlights the importance of transparent communication during moments of crisis. With evolving governmental dynamics in France and Germany, von der Leyen aims to assert her leadership and influence within the 27-nation bloc. Her health status and recovery process may play a crucial role in shaping her future activities as the EU's high-profile leader on various policy fronts.