European Parliament President Roberta Metsola initiated an urgent procedure to lift the immunity of two deputies amid ongoing investigations into alleged bribery linked to Qatar and Morocco. Belgian Social Democrat Marc Tarabella and Italian Social Democrat Andrea Cozzolino are the deputies at the center of the inquiry, according to European sources. The move follows a request from Belgian judicial authorities and was announced by Metsola as part of the Parliament’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The procedure was set in motion to address potential parliamentary immunity protection and to ensure the case proceeds through proper legal channels. The next step involves referring the matter to the Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, which will prepare a formal proposal for a decision on whether immunity should be suspended. The European Parliament’s leadership emphasized that the institution will cooperate fully with investigations and will not allow impunity to prevail.
Metsola has underscored the Parliament’s readiness to act decisively in anti-corruption efforts. The president reiterated that the Parliament must stand firmly against corruption and take concrete actions to strengthen accountability. She indicated that reform initiatives would be announced in the coming weeks, focusing on strengthening internal rules and improving oversight mechanisms to prevent scandals and ensure better governance within the institution.
Immunity procedures for Members of the European Parliament are regulated by the Parliament’s rules. When immunity is considered for suspension, the President announces the request at plenary and forwards it to the competent committee. The Legal Affairs Committee then designates a rapporteur who will drive the case, potentially holding hearings and presenting a draft report. The committee will discuss and vote on a recommendation for the Parliament’s plenary to endorse or reject the request. A simple majority in the plenary would be required to approve the measure, after which the Presidency would communicate the decision to the relevant national authorities and the Member States involved.
Metsola has urged all services and committees to prioritize this procedure, with the aim of concluding it in a timely manner. Earlier communications indicated a desire to resolve the matter efficiently, reflecting the seriousness with which the Parliament treats allegations of misconduct.
Tarabella, whose parliamentary address in Belgium was noted during the inquiry, issued a statement affirming his innocence. Cozzolino has stated his willingness to cooperate fully, including testifying before a judge and potentially waiving parliamentary immunity if necessary, arguing that he should be treated as innocent and not be subjected to a prejudicial media trial. The case file in the bribery investigation has already led to several arrests, including individuals connected to the broader scheme.
Among those implicated in the broader investigation are Eva Kaili, a Greek Member of the European Parliament, along with her partner and colleague Francesco Giorgi, the general secretary Niccolò Figa-Talamanca, and Pier Antonio Panzeri, a former MEP. The investigation has continued to unfold, with authorities pursuing multiple angles and seeking to identify the full extent of the alleged network. A second individual, affiliated with a political party in another member state and involved with a non-governmental organization focused on anti-impunity efforts, is also described as a central figure in the alleged scheme. This ongoing effort reflects the Parliament’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability.
The European Parliament remains dedicated to upholding its duties to citizens and to the integrity of its legislative processes. As the immunity review progresses, observers will be watching how the institution applies its rules to safeguard democratic governance and to reinforce trust in its work. The outcome of the committee’s deliberations and the subsequent plenary decision will be pivotal in signaling how seriously EU institutions address corruption questions and ensure that all members are held to the highest standards of conduct.