Violating promises and law, von der Leyen tests patience

When Ursula von der Leyen took the helm as president of the European Commission last year, she told her commissioners they should be open about contacts they have with lobbyists.

"Transparency should characterise the work of all the members of the commission and of their cabinets," she wrote.

"Transparency is of particular importance where specific interests related to the commission's work on legislative initiatives or financial matters are discussed with professional organisati...