Qatar used secret deal to bind itself to EU Parliament, raising concerns about corruption

Qatar signed a secret agreement with the European Parliament that raised concerns about possible corruption and undue influence, according to a report by Politico. The agreement, signed in 2018, created a "friendship group" between Qatar and the European Parliament, which allowed Qatari officials to participate in meetings with members of the parliament and provide input on legislation.

The agreement was signed by Eva Kaili, a Greek member of the European Parliament, and Pier Antonio Panzeri, an Italian member, on behalf of the parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. Kaili and Panzeri have since been criticized for their role in the deal, with some accusing them of violating the parliament's code of conduct.

Critics of the deal say that it allowed Qatar to exert undue influence over the European Parliament and its decision-making process. They argue that it raises questions about the transparency and accountability of the parliament, which is supposed to represent the interests of the European Union's citizens.

However, others argue that the deal was simply a way for Qatar to establish a relationship with the European Parliament and advocate for its interests. They say that it is not uncommon for governments and businesses to establish such relationships with lawmakers and that there is nothing inherently corrupt about the practice.

The controversy surrounding the agreement highlights the challenges that lawmakers face in navigating relationships with foreign governments and businesses. On one hand, they must maintain transparency and accountability to their constituents. On the other hand, they must also engage with foreign entities to promote the interests of their countries and the European Union as a whole.

The European Parliament has since launched an investigation into the agreement, with some members calling for Kaili and Panzeri to be disciplined. The investigation is ongoing, and its findings could have significant implications for the relationship between the European Union and Qatar, as well as for the transparency and accountability of the European Parliament.

The European Parliament has long been a vocal critic of Qatar's human rights record, including its treatment of migrant workers and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. The recent revelations have raised concerns among some MEPs about Qatar's influence in the parliament and the potential for corruption.

MEPs have called for a full investigation into the matter, with some suggesting that the secret agreement may have violated the EU's code of conduct for lobbyists. They have also urged the European Parliament to take steps to ensure that its members are not subject to undue influence from foreign governments or corporations.

Eva Kaili, a Greek MEP who has been a vocal critic of Qatar's human rights record, called the revelations "extremely concerning" and urged the parliament to take action. "The European Parliament must be vigilant against any attempt to influence its work and to protect the integrity of its members," she said in a statement.

Pier Antonio Panzeri, an Italian MEP who has also been critical of Qatar's human rights record, called for a "thorough investigation" into the matter. "It is absolutely unacceptable for a foreign government or any other entity to attempt to influence the work of the European Parliament," he said.

The revelations come at a time of growing concern about foreign influence in European politics. The EU has been working to strengthen its rules on lobbying and transparency, but critics say that more needs to be done to ensure that the democratic process is not undermined by outside interests.

Qatar has denied any wrongdoing and said that its relationship with the European Parliament is transparent and above board. "Qatar respects the integrity and independence of the European Parliament and has never sought to influence its work in any way," a spokesperson for the Qatari embassy in Brussels said.

Despite the denials, the revelations have raised questions about the extent of Qatar's influence in the EU and the potential for corruption. Some MEPs are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the lobbying process, as well as stronger rules to prevent foreign governments and corporations from exerting undue influence over European politics.

The European Parliament is expected to hold a debate on the issue in the coming weeks, and some MEPs have called for a resolution to be passed calling for greater transparency and accountability in the lobbying process. The debate is likely to focus on the need for stronger rules to prevent foreign influence in European politics, and the need to protect the integrity of the democratic process.