The Belgian police conducted several searches in Brussels and the surrounding area today (Thursday). Reportedly, arrests were also made. The background to these operations is an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption, which is said to involve multiple former and current Members of the European Parliament. There are allegations that the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei bribed lawmakers with cash gifts and luxury trips. However, it remains unclear whether the lawmakers provided specific favors in return or whether legislative procedures were directly manipulated.

The case bears a strong resemblance to the “Qatargate” corruption scandal, in which large sums of money were allegedly funneled to Members of the European Parliament and a Vice President of the European Parliament. That scandal severely shook public trust in the integrity of EU institutions and contributed to the establishment of an independent overight body for lobbying and anti-corruption regulations. However, due to resistance from conservative parties, this body has not yet been able to start its work.

Daniel Freund (Greens), Chair of the Anti-Corruption Working Group in the European Parliament and Rapporteur for the Independent Ethics Body, comments:

“It was only a matter of time before the next corruption scandal rocked Brussels. We must finally recognize that the risk of corruption in Brussels is high because the European Union is so influential. We need swift and thorough investigations and, most importantly, reforms that make the Parliament more resilient to corruption. We know that the risk of corruption increases when lobbying rules are neither monitored nor enforced. That is exactly the case in Brussels. An independent oversight body has already been decided on but has not been able to start its work for months due to opposition from Christian Democrats. This is entrenching a culture of impunity in Brussels. We must finally crack down on corruption. If the suspicions are confirmed, Huawei must face painful consequences. Any company that bribes lawmakers should no longer be allowed to lobby in Brussels!”