EU Trade Commissioner Who Violated COVID-19 Guidelines by Attending Golf Gathering Resigns Ultimately

EU Trade Chief Leading US-China Trade Talks... "I Understand the People's Hurt and Anger, I Apologize"

Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Trade
[Photo by EPA]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Phil Hogan, the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Trade, who violated guidelines to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) by attending a golf gathering, has ultimately resigned. With the trade chief stepping down just nine months into a five-year term, ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, China, and others are expected to face setbacks.

According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 26th (local time), Commissioner Hogan submitted his resignation to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, on the same day. In a statement, he said, "I fully understand the hurt and anger the public must feel due to public officials failing to adhere to the standards required of them," and added, "I sincerely apologize once again to the people of Ireland for the mistakes I have made."

Hogan's sudden resignation came amid controversy over his attendance at a golf dinner hosted by the Irish parliament in his home country on the 19th. The Irish government had issued additional quarantine guidelines the day before the event, including a ban on indoor gatherings of more than six people, but it was reported in the media that he and other senior officials attended the gathering, prompting a police investigation. Additionally, it was revealed that Hogan did not comply with the 14-day self-quarantine rule upon entering Ireland on the 31st of last month.

Hogan, who took charge of trade when von der Leyen's Commission officially launched on December 1 last year, has been leading the EU's trade negotiations. He has focused on resolving trade conflicts with the Trump administration, which advocated "America First," and expanding foreign investors' access to the Chinese market, among other efforts with the two major powers (G2). On the 21st, he reached a partial agreement with Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to reduce import tariffs on a few items, including U.S. lobsters. Furthermore, with the transition period following the UK's departure from the EU ending this year, trade negotiations between the two sides are ongoing. Foreign media have noted the significance and sensitivity of this incident occurring during critical trade talks with the U.S., China, and the UK.

Hogan has also focused on restoring the World Trade Organization (WTO), whose position has been shaken. In June, he hinted at running for the next WTO Director-General but later announced he would not run, citing "an important time in relations with the U.S., China, and the UK."

The Irish government is expected to recommend a successor for the vacant EU Commissioner for Trade position, and foreign media report that President von der Leyen may assign the role to an Irish national already working within the EU.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.