Gas deals with Qatar risked after deepening corruption scandal in European Parliament

Italian member of the European Parliament Andrea Cozziolino and Belgian colleague Marc Tarabella, both of the left-wing Social Democrats, are the last European lawmakers involved in the corruption scandal that has hit Brussels. Both lawmakers have denied the accusations.

Following a 1-year-old investigation, Belgian police raided lawmakers' offices and houses, where $1.6m in cash was found.

On December 9th, at the home of Z. European Parliament President Eva Kyle was found 158 thousand dollars. She was accused of taking bribes from Qatar.

The statement was taken to favour Qatar in the decisions of the European Parliament on economic, financial and political issues”, says Eric Van Duyse of Belgium's Prosecutor's Office, VOA.

The European Parliament voted on 13 November for the dismissal of Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili, Greece's representative, from office. In November, prior to the police operation, she spoke in support of Qatar in the European Parliament, accusing critics of hypocrisy.

“They chose to embrace a new vision, be open to the world. However, some members here are calling for discrimination. They are discriminated against, and anyone involved is accused of corruption. And yet they love their gas”, Mrs. Kyle said so time.

Mrs. Kyle's partner, who works as a helper to the European Parliament, and two other people are accused of receiving money from Qatar. Everyone has denied these accusations.

Some European lawmakers are seeking revising the policies towards Qatar, including the visa liberalisation vote for citizens of this country.

Qatar seems to have been aiming to influence this location. Currently, visa removal decision has been suspended”, says by Andre Wolf Center for European Policy.

Qatar has denied allegations that it has tried to corrupt European officials and has warned that relations with Europe are being jeopardised.

Germany and Belgium are among the countries of the Euopian Union that have signed agreements to buy gas from Qatar, while the bloc's countries are trying to stop dependent on Russian gas after Moscow's attack on Ukraine.

Because of the developed infrastructure and proximity to Europe, Qatar will play an important role. It will play an even more important role for Europe's gas import needs”, says Mr. Wolfe.

Qatar faced Europe's criticisms even on respect for human rights during the past month, during the world football championship.

The “has been dedicated to several highly entrenched issues related to culture and religion, which should not be mixed with the World Cup or other political issues. I think mutual relations can overcome this period, because it is in the interest of both sides to co-operate”, says Mr. Wolfe.

The president of the European Parliament has warned that criminal proceedings are damaging confidence in the European Union and all that the union represents.