EU chief says France's treatment in Australia sub deal 'unacceptable'

France was treated in an "unacceptable" way when Australia, Britain and the United States negotiated a defense pact ditching its contract to supply submarines to Canberra, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Monday.

"There are a lot of open questions that have to be answered," von der Leyen told CNN, according to a tweeted video extract of her interview. "One of our member states has been treated in a way that is not acceptable."

Von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said Brussels would want to "clarify" what had happened "before you keep on going with business as usual.”

Earlier, France rebuked Australia and the U.S. for "a major breach of trust and contempt" in the submarine row, following the decision to recall its ambassadors from the two countries.

(CGTN)