EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan has resigned after a scandal erupted over his attendance at a dinner with over 80 people at a golf course in Ireland, The Guardian reported.
Hogan himself issued a statement and apologized to the Irish and the European Commission for the damage caused.
“It was becoming increasingly clear that the controversy concerning my recent visit to Ireland was becoming a distraction from my work as an EU commissioner and would undermine my work in the key months ahead,” said the statement.
“I deeply regret that my trip to Ireland – the country that I have been so proud to represent as a public servant for most of my adult life – caused such concern, unease and upset.” He admitted breaching Covid guidelines but denied breaking any law.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reacted to the resignation.
Tonight Commissioner @PhilHoganEU submitted his resignation. I respect his decision. I am grateful for his work as a Trade Commissioner and a member of my team. https://t.co/xPcdLX3kmy
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 26, 2020