What is Catargate? Corruption scandal shakes the European Union

A corruption and money laundering scandal is discrediting the European Parliament. Qatar, hosting the World Cup, is suspected of buying positive views in the bloc legislature and influencing the vote. How is the credibility of the European Union and the trust of European citizens in bloc institutions after the case was made public?

Before the lights went out in a year marked by the war in Ukraine and the high cost of living that has plunged Europe into one of the worst economic crises in decades, Brussels has become the protagonist of a massive corruption scandal that has affected one of its most prestigious institutions. : European Parliament.

Catargate, the Middle East country’s bribery and money laundering scheme targeting influential people in the bloc’s legislature, has monopolized speech in the hallways, backstages and spotlights since the case broke out a week ago.

At the center of the scandal is former Greek MEP Eva Kaili, who has been in precautionary detention since last Sunday and has been removed from her post as vice-president of the European Parliament – there are 14 in total – and she must enter parliament. immunity is suspended.

If influence trading is proven to exist by an autocratic government within the European Parliament, could this undermine the image of the European Union? Could it increase the risk that anti-European and anti-democratic forces will benefit from this scandal in the next European elections in 2024?

Experts believe that Catargate undermines the credibility of the European Union and undermines the confidence of European citizens in the bloc’s institutions. Seeking to mitigate harm, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen advocated the creation of an independent ethical body applicable to all European institutions to monitor and punish cases of code-breaking violations, while the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said she would spearhead a broad package of reforms to strengthen legislative oversight mechanisms. told. The package should be ready in January.

Belgian justice initiative

It was the Belgian Justice, which launched a series of searches and arrests in Brussels last Friday, following an investigation opened in mid-July for alleged infiltration of a criminal organization, corruption and money laundering into the European Parliament.

According to the Belgian press, during the operations the Federal Police of the country was about ? 1.5 million cash. In the investigation, coordinated by the Belgian Federal Ministry of Public Affairs and led by the Central Office for Anti-Corruption (OCRC), there are suspicions that Qatar will try to influence political and economic decisions in the European Parliament by paying large sums. to offer money and gifts to politicians with strategic positions in the bloc legislature in exchange for defending the country’s interests.

Ten offices have been closed so far and four people have been arrested. Former MP Eva Kaili, the focal point of the corruption scandal, is due to appear in court next Thursday (22).

Defense of good and interests

Former European Parliament Member Eva Kaili visited Qatar in November, weeks before the start of the World Cup. Back in Brussels, he defended his country at a plenary session of the European Parliament, saying that Qatar had faced intense criticism from human rights groups for its treatment of migrant workers prior to the incident.

Kaili was keen to ensure that Qatar would introduce workers’ rights and the minimum wage despite the challenges. However, Qatar is famous for its disregard for human rights. In addition, the aviation agreement between Qatar Airways and the European Union is under investigation. The Qatari airline has gained unrestricted access to the European market, and there are suspicions that the Doha government is interfering with Parliament’s internal negotiations regarding the deal signed in October last year.