**Greek Parliament Lifts Immunity of Former Commissioner Amid Qatargate Investigation**
On Thursday, Greece's parliament voted to lift the parliamentary immunity of Dimitris Avramopoulos, a former European Commissioner and current lawmaker with the ruling New Democracy party. This decision paves the way for further legal actions in connection with the ongoing "Qatargate" corruption investigation, which has emerged as one of the most significant scandals in the European Union.
Avramopoulos, who previously served as the European Commissioner for Migration from 2014 to 2019, has consistently denied any involvement in the scandal or any wrongdoing related to the accusations. The Qatargate case centers around allegations that several EU officials accepted bribes from Qatari entities to influence European policymaking. Qatar has also denied these allegations, asserting that it has not engaged in any corrupt practices.
The lifting of Avramopoulos's immunity follows the issuance of a European arrest warrant by a Belgian investigating judge in June. The warrant accuses him of participation in a criminal organization, public corruption, and money laundering. Until the parliamentary vote, Avramopoulos was protected from arrest and prosecution due to the immunity granted to lawmakers in Greece.
In response to the developments, Avramopoulos indicated his intention to cooperate with the investigation, stating that he plans to appear voluntarily before Belgian authorities. His legal team has characterized the accusations as unfounded, and Avramopoulos has expressed confidence that he will be vindicated.
The Belgian prosecutor's office has not yet commented on the case following the immunity lift. However, authorities have reported significant findings in their investigation, including the seizure of approximately €1.5 million ($1.72 million) in cash during raids connected to Qatargate. Some of this money was reportedly discovered hidden in a suitcase at a hotel in Brussels.
The Qatargate scandal first came to light in late 2022, raising concerns about the integrity of EU institutions and the influence of foreign entities on European governance. Investigators allege that Qatar may have utilized cash payments or donations through non-profit organizations to sway EU decision-making processes. These claims have been met with strong denials from the Qatari government, which maintains that it has acted lawfully and transparently.
Avramopoulos's involvement in the case is further complicated by his previous association with Fight Impunity, an NGO linked to the ongoing investigation. From 2020 to 2021, he served as an honorary board member for the organization. In June, following the issuance of the arrest warrant, Avramopoulos defended his work with Fight Impunity, stating that it was "lawful, audited, approved," and criticized the Belgian authorities for what he termed an "arbitrary, unacceptable, suspicious" connection of his name to the case.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of the Qatargate scandal continue to reverberate throughout the EU, raising questions about the accountability of public officials and the potential need for reforms to prevent corruption. The decision to lift Avramopoulos's immunity marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings and highlights the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the allegations.
The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal actions against Avramopoulos and others implicated in the scandal will be closely monitored, as they could have far-reaching consequences for both the individuals involved and the broader EU political landscape.