Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella accepted an invitation to Qatar. In February 2020, he took a trip to Qatar paid for by the emirate and did not report it to the European Parliament. Despite the admission, Tarabella denies any form of favoritism. Tarabella traveled to Qatar to visit stadiums built for the World Cup. Belgian authorities have requested that Tarabella’s immunity be lifted.
Socialist MEP Tarabella is considered a close confidant of former Italian MP Pier-Antonio Panzeri, who is at the center of the EU corruption scandal due to the alleged influence of Qatar, host of the World Cup. At Panzeri, 600,000 euros in cash were confiscated.
A few days ago, Maria Arena – also a Belgian deputy – admitted that she “forgot” To a similar trip financed by Qatar
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the leaders of the European Parliament’s political groups intend to present proposals to combat corruption. Metsola wants to present measures and actions in a timely manner.
In December, Belgian police carried out several searches against parliamentarians, former parliamentarians and lobbyists, and found a total of €1.5 million in cash. Four suspects were arrested, including one of the vice-presidents of the assembly, Greek MEP Eva Kaili.