Report: US Downgrades EU's Diplomatic Status

The diplomatic status of the European Union’s delegation to the United States has been downgraded, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle is reporting.

According to the broadcaster, the EU’s delegation has been lowered from member state to international organization.

"We don't exactly know when they did it, because they conveniently forgot to notify us," an EU official said.

"I can confirm that this has not been well received in Brussels," the person said

The EU delegation had noticed that its Washington ambassador had not been invited to certain events last year. And Deutsche Welle reported that the funeral of President George H.W. Bush had confirmed to EU diplomats that the status had been downgraded.

Diplomats are traditionally called up to pay their respects from the longest-serving to the newest ambassador, the broadcaster reported. It said EU Ambassador David O’Sullivan, who should have been included in the first 20 to 30 ambassadors, was called up last.

The diplomats believe the status change was implemented in late October or early November.

The Independent newspaper noted President Donald Trump is a vocal supporter of Britain’s exit from the EU.

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