Rapid developments are unfolding in the Qatargate case, as the request from the Belgian judicial authorities for the lifting of the immunity of Dimitris Avramopoulos, the former European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, has been forwarded to the Greek Parliament. The request was transmitted immediately by the Deputy Minister of Justice, Ioannis Bourgas, opening a new cycle of political and judicial developments surrounding the sensational scandal that has shaken European institutions.
According to information accompanying the case file, Belgian authorities are seeking to trigger procedures related to the former European Commissioner's participation in a non-governmental organization linked to Antonio Panzeri, a central figure in the Qatargate case. The transmission of the request to the Parliament constitutes the first institutional step for the examination of the case by the Greek authorities, as the lifting of immunity is a necessary prerequisite for any further judicial process.
Charges brought by the Belgian authorities
According to the same information, the Belgian justice system attributes three serious offenses to Dimitris Avramopoulos. Under Belgian law, the case file includes: Membership in a criminal organization, public corruption, and money laundering. Correspondingly, according to the alignment with the Greek Penal Code, the offenses concern: Membership in a criminal organization, repeated bribery of an official, and repeated money laundering.
The response of D. Avramopoulos: This case never concerned me
The former commissioner has not made a statement following these latest developments; however, on June 22, 2026, when it became known that he was being investigated for the case, he had issued a statement noting: "I received information from journalists that a document has allegedly been sent by the Belgian authorities to the Greek ones, in which an attempt is made, without any basis, to connect my name with the Fight Impunity case. This case never concerned me. The issue that was attempted to be linked to my name has been closed for three years, with complete institutional transparency and the stamp of the European Commission, following a decision signed by its President, Ursula von der Leyen.
My participation in the organization Fight Impunity, along with significant international figures, was absolutely legal, audited, approved, declared, and taxed. There was no involvement of mine, direct or indirect, in anything reprehensible. Every attempt to bring the issue back by the Belgian authorities and to involve my name in any matter concerning Fight Impunity, whether through baseless reports or by distorting facts, is arbitrary, unacceptable, suspicious, and will be dealt with by every legal means. Although it is a completely baseless issue, I state directly that I will not make use of any parliamentary immunity. On the contrary, I will approach the Greek justice system myself, asking for the matter to be fully investigated and adjudicated."
It is recalled that, in December 2022, he stated: "My participation in the organization Fight Impunity was from the beginning absolutely without executive or administrative responsibilities. The committee I participated in, among others along with figures such as F. Mogherini, former French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, and Senator Emma Bonino, was honorary. For my participation and the compensation that would accompany it, I requested the approval of the European Commission, which was given to me in writing by President Von der Leyen. A corresponding positive opinion for my participation in the honorary committee of the Organization was given by the Independent Ethical Committee of the European Commission on December 10, 2020.
The compensation was for one year, from February 2021 to February 2022, in the amount of 5,000 euros per month, which was declared and taxed in Greece, according to Greek law (final amount: €3,750). After one year, in February 2022, because the activity of the Organization had faded, I requested that the compensation stop. From March onwards, my participation had effectively ended. As soon as I was informed of what happened recently in Brussels, I immediately and irrevocably submitted my resignation and requested that my name be removed from the website, together with the other figures who participated in the committee."
The scandal
Qatargate erupted in late 2022 and is linked to the European Parliament. The case concerns allegations that Qatar, as well as other countries, attempted to influence decisions and positions of European institutions through bribery and the provision of illegal benefits to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their associates. The investigation began with the Belgian authorities, who conducted raids on homes and offices of individuals linked to the European Parliament. During the searches, large amounts of cash were found, which reinforced suspicions of bribery, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organization. Among the people at the center of the case was Eva Kaili, then Vice President of the European Parliament, who was arrested and removed from her position. Also involved in the case were Pier Antonio Panzeri, a former MEP from Italy, as well as other individuals active in non-governmental organizations or as parliamentary assistants.
According to the accusations of the prosecuting authorities, Qatar allegedly sought to improve its image in Europe, particularly ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, by influencing political discussions surrounding human rights and working conditions in the country. Qatar has denied participating in illegal acts, while several of the accused have also rejected the charges or have maintained their innocence. The scandal caused strong reactions throughout the European Union, as it called into question the transparency and integrity of European institutions. As a result, the European Parliament proceeded with discussions and reforms to strengthen rules on ethics, lobbying oversight, and transparency in contacts between MEPs and foreign governments and organizations.
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