Europe has slipped into its annual summer lull. Brussels has emptied, national parliaments are in recess, and politicians are seizing the rare chance to step away from the demands of public office. But for the continent's political class, switching off is harder than it looks.
The crises haven't disappeared. Russia's continued bombardment of Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, economic uncertainty, and wildfires that have ravaged several European countries continue to loom over governments, even as leaders seek to unwind. Every escape is now measured with particular care to avoid public fallout.
Von der Leyen: family time with a side of diplomacy
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not revealed her exact whereabouts, but on 5 August she wished her Instagram followers a restful holiday, sporting sunglasses. A Commission spokesperson told Euronews that the President, "while currently spending some time with her family, remains in constant contact with her team in Brussels" and with her team of Commissioners.
"While family time is important, she always follows all critical matters closely, remains fully engaged, and intervenes directly whenever needed," the spokesperson added, noting that official engagements are already scheduled for next week. Von der Leyen is known to retreat to her family farm near Hanover, where she keeps horses and has spoken of raising hens and goats. In August, she posted a video introducing a hen named Chikeletta, asking followers to suggest names for her two new chicks.
Her past holiday choices have sparked controversy. In August 2023, her stay at Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' Cretan property drew sharp criticism. The European Ombudsman later said the free-of-charge retreat revealed a "structural shortcoming" in EU ethics rules, and that the year-long delay in responding to complaints amounted to maladministration.
Macron: jet ski and phone calls
French President Emmanuel Macron is spending his last summer as head of state at the official residence of Fort de Brégançon on the Côte d'Azur, with his wife Brigitte. The venue has hosted several high-level visits during his presidency, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019. Macron has already been photographed on a jet ski, prompting critics to accuse him of being disconnected from daily struggles.
Yet Élysée officials are briefing French media that the President remains politically active. On Monday, Macron met mayors of towns affected by the wildfires that have ravaged the Gironde region, while his Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu cut his holiday short to visit the area. Macron has also kept up telephone diplomacy, holding calls with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi.
Sánchez: managing a migration crisis from the Canaries
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is grappling with a crisis over the summer. His government has faced the mass entry of around 80,000 migrants to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July. Since his visit to the enclave on July 31, Sánchez has switched his Madrid office for the official residence of La Mareta on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, conducting official duties from there since 1 August.
Sánchez has interrupted his holidays for virtual meetings on the Ceuta situation, including a ministerial meeting on Monday. The government acknowledges that the situation is not yet back to normal, with around 8,000 migrants who crossed in late July still in the enclave, and about 5,000 thought to be eligible for asylum or protection. Critics from the opposition Popular Party have slammed the image of normality projected by the Prime Minister during a crisis.
Meloni: Adriatic retreat with an eye on the future
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is spending her holidays on the Adriatic coast in Puglia, with her nine-year-old daughter and sister. According to Italian media, she may be joined at a farmhouse in the Brindisi area by friends and close allies from her hard-right Brothers of Italy party.
The region was also Meloni's choice when she hosted G7 leaders for a summit two years ago. With the exception of Emmanuel Macron, none of the six leaders she hosted then are still in post—a reminder of the tumultuous nature of world politics. Meloni herself faces a crunch election next year. If she remains in post into the second half of 2027, she could break records for longevity in Italian leadership.
As Europe's leaders take their breaks, the continent's challenges continue to demand attention. The summer lull may offer a pause, but for those in power, the line between rest and responsibility remains thin. For those planning their own escapes, cooler destinations are gaining popularity, while wildfire risks and tick season are practical concerns. Even as leaders unwind, the continent's pulse continues to beat.
