Greece’s parliament has voted to lift the immunity of former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, allowing Belgian authorities to pursue investigative steps linked to the long-running Qatargate corruption case. Avramopoulos denies wrongdoing and says he wants to cooperate fully with the Belgian investigation.
The decision, taken on Thursday, follows a European arrest warrant issued by a Belgian investigating judge in June. It does not amount to a finding of guilt, and the allegations remain under investigation.
Greek MPs approve immunity waiver
Of the 266 MPs present, 264 voted in favour of removing Avramopoulos’ parliamentary immunity. Two MPs declared themselves “present”. Greece’s parliamentary Ethics Committee had previously backed the measure unanimously.
Avramopoulos, 73, is a member of Greece’s governing New Democracy party. He served as European Commissioner for Migration from 2014 to 2019 and was previously mayor of Athens.
His immunity was lifted at his own request. In a memorandum to parliament, he said he did not want protection from the investigation and wished to present evidence to the relevant authorities.
Avramopoulos has categorically denied taking part in illegal activity. He has also said that he never acted to advance the unlawful interests of a foreign government or another third party.
What is the Qatargate investigation?
The Belgian case began in December 2022, when Belgian authorities searched premises and arrested several people amid allegations that foreign governments had attempted to influence decisions in the European Parliament through money, gifts and other benefits.
The investigation has involved several former and current political figures, including former Italian MEP Antonio Panzeri and former European Parliament vice-president Eva Kaili. Belgian authorities have seized approximately €1.5 million in cash during the inquiry.
Qatar and Morocco have been linked to allegations that efforts were made to influence European decisions and improve their international reputations. Both countries have denied the allegations.
The proceedings have been delayed by legal challenges concerning the lawfulness of certain investigative measures. Those appeals have contributed to the unusually long duration of the case.
Avramopoulos’ connection with Fight Impunity
The Belgian investigation includes scrutiny of Avramopoulos’ relationship with Fight Impunity, a non-governmental organisation founded by Panzeri, who is one of the central figures in the case.
Avramopoulos served on the organisation’s honorary board in 2020 and 2021, after leaving the European Commission. He has maintained that his involvement was lawful and that payments connected with the organisation were declared to Greek tax authorities.
According to a document from the Greek authorities cited by international news agencies, the European arrest warrant refers to allegations involving participation in a criminal organisation, public corruption and money laundering. These are allegations contained in the investigation, not established criminal convictions.
What happens after the immunity decision?
Removing parliamentary immunity clears a procedural obstacle for Belgian authorities. It does not decide whether Avramopoulos committed an offence, nor does it determine the outcome of any future court proceedings.
The next steps depend on the Belgian investigation and the decisions of the relevant judicial authorities. The European arrest warrant issued in June formed the basis for the Greek parliament’s action, but the source material does not establish whether further hearings, extradition proceedings or other judicial measures will follow immediately.
Avramopoulos has said he intends to cooperate and use the proceedings to provide evidence supporting his account of events. Under European legal principles, allegations must be tested through the judicial process and individuals remain presumed innocent unless found guilty by a competent court.
Why the case matters for European politics
The Qatargate investigation has continued to affect confidence in European institutions and the rules governing contacts between politicians, lobbyists and foreign interests. It has also prompted wider scrutiny of transparency, lobbying and the enforcement of ethical standards in the European Parliament.
For Greece, the parliamentary vote is a national constitutional step connected to a Belgian investigation with wider European implications. It does not represent a new European Union law or a decision by the European Parliament itself.
The case also illustrates how cross-border investigations can involve several legal systems. A former EU official and Greek MP is subject to investigative attention from Belgian authorities, while the Greek parliament must address the domestic question of parliamentary immunity.
Key points from the decision
- Greek MPs voted overwhelmingly to lift Dimitris Avramopoulos’ immunity.
- The vote followed a European arrest warrant issued by a Belgian investigating judge in June.
- Avramopoulos requested the removal of his immunity and denies wrongdoing.
- The investigation concerns alleged corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation.
- The allegations have not resulted in a guilty finding.
- The Belgian case remains ongoing and has been delayed by legal appeals.
Conclusion
The Greek parliament’s decision removes Dimitris Avramopoulos’ parliamentary immunity and allows the Belgian Qatargate investigation to proceed without that domestic procedural barrier. The vote is not a conviction or a final judgment. The focus now shifts to Belgian investigators and courts, while Avramopoulos maintains his innocence and says he will cooperate fully.
