The European Parliament is set to review a request to lift the legal immunity of five Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The move comes after Belgian prosecutors launched a corruption and lobbying investigation involving Chinese telecom giant Huawei. The targeted MEPs belong to various political groups and deny any wrongdoing. The Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs will examine the case starting in early June.
Belgian Prosecutors Request Immunity Lifts Amid Huawei Investigation
Belgian authorities have asked the European Parliament to remove legal protections from five MEPs. The request is linked to an ongoing probe into Huawei’s lobbying practices and alleged corruption.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the requests during a recent plenary session. The five MEPs are Italians Salvatore De Meo, Giusi Princi, and Fulvio Martusciello from the European People’s Party (EPP), Daniel Attard of Malta’s Socialist Party, and Nikola Minchev from Bulgaria’s Renew Europe group.
MEPs Deny Any Wrongdoing in Lobbying Case
All five MEPs have publicly rejected accusations of misconduct. Salvatore De Meo clarified that his attendance at a social event involving Huawei representatives was unrelated to any political activities supporting the company.
Fulvio Martusciello admitted to brief meetings with Huawei lobbyists but denied deeper involvement. He also stated that neither he nor his staff visited Huawei offices or acted to benefit the company.
Daniel Attard’s case revolves around attending a football match last September. He claimed ignorance that the invitation was connected to Huawei or an ongoing investigation. Attard requested the removal of his immunity to cooperate fully with investigators.
Nikola Minchev also linked his involvement to a football event. He denied illegal activity and asked for his immunity to be lifted to aid the inquiry.
Legal Committee to Review Immunity Requests in June
The European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) will review the requests for immunity waivers. Each MEP will have the opportunity to defend themselves and submit evidence during the process.
JURI will hold its next meeting on June 4–5, after which it will send recommendations to the full Parliament. The full Parliament will then vote on whether to approve or reject lifting immunity by a simple majority.
If the waivers are approved, Belgian prosecutors will be authorized to question the MEPs and continue their investigation into Huawei’s alleged lobbying influence.
Background on Huawei Lobbying Investigation
The Belgian probe follows allegations that Huawei attempted to influence EU policies through improper lobbying methods. These claims include bribing lawmakers and providing lavish gifts to secure favorable outcomes.
This investigation is part of a broader European effort to scrutinize the influence of foreign corporations on EU institutions. It reflects ongoing concerns about transparency and political integrity within the Parliament.
Expert Opinions Highlight Importance of Transparency
Legal experts stress that lifting MEP immunity is crucial to ensure full accountability. “Parliamentary immunity must not be a shield for potential corruption,” said Dr. Elena Rossi, a specialist in EU law. “Allowing investigations to proceed is essential for maintaining trust in democratic institutions.”
The upcoming committee review and parliamentary vote will be closely watched. The outcome may set a precedent for handling future cases involving foreign lobbying and political influence within the EU.
Huawei has not publicly commented on the immunity requests but has stated it cooperates fully with investigations.