Lack of diplomacy

Date: 23/07/1998

A certain high-profile Commission official has found herself in hot water again.

A recent article on national stereotypes which appeared in France's l'Europeen newspaper quoted one 'Martine R' as referring to Swedes in rather undiplomatic terms. This was not best appreciated in Swedish circles, and caused a certain degree of inter-cabinet furore within the Commission as the presumed source of the comments was smartly rapped over the knuckles for her embarrassing slip of the tongue.

Meanwhile, Commission spokeswoman Martine Reicherts said that she had no idea who had made the alleged remarks.