The European Union’s General Court delivered a significant ruling on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in favor of former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Eva Kaili, a central figure in the high-profile Qatargate corruption scandal. The court annulled the European Parliament’s decision to block Kaili’s access to documents related to the suspected misuse of parliamentary assistant allowances, a move that marks a procedural victory for Kaili amid ongoing investigations.
Background of the Qatargate Scandal and Kaili’s Involvement
The Qatargate scandal erupted in late 2022, exposing a complex scheme of alleged bribery and influence peddling involving multiple MEPs, including Eva Kaili, and officials linked to the Qatari and Moroccan governments. According to testimonies, Qatar funneled substantial sums of money through intermediaries to sway decisions within the European Parliament in its favor. Kaili, who was then a vice-president of the European Parliament, is accused of playing a pivotal role in this network.
The scandal led to arrests and detentions of several parliamentarians and staff. Kaili was arrested in December 2022 and has since denied any wrongdoing, maintaining her innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Her lawyers have consistently argued that she was unaware of the illicit activities conducted by her partner, Francesco Giorgi, who admitted guilt shortly after the scandal broke.
The Transparency Dispute and Court Ruling
At the heart of the recent court ruling is Kaili’s request for access to documents under the EU’s transparency regulation. These documents pertain to the alleged misuse of parliamentary assistant allowances, a key element in the Qatargate investigation. In July 2023, the European Parliament denied Kaili’s request, citing concerns that releasing the documents could interfere with ongoing legal proceedings and potentially harm the fairness of related court cases.
However, the General Court found that the European Parliament had improperly applied the transparency rules. It ruled that withholding the documents was unjustified and that the Parliament’s arguments about potential harm to legal proceedings did not hold. The court emphasized that Kaili was entitled to equal treatment and the opportunity to defend herself effectively.
This ruling was described as a “procedural win” for Kaili by legal analysts and marks an important development in her defense strategy. It challenges the Parliament’s stance and reinforces the principle of transparency even in sensitive investigations.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The European Parliament’s decision to block Kaili’s access to documents was part of a broader effort to manage the fallout from the Qatargate scandal. The Parliament’s legal affairs committee had previously rejected Kaili’s immunity defense, stating unanimously that
“everything had been made ‘by the book’”
and that there was no indication of infringement of her rights or privileges.
Despite this, Kaili’s defense team has argued that she has been subjected to harsh treatment and denied fair procedural rights. Her lawyers have highlighted the difficult conditions of her pre-trial detention, including allegations of inadequate medical care and constant illumination in her cell, which they described as
“torture practices that are not acceptable in Europe.”
The court’s ruling on transparency adds pressure on the European Parliament and judicial authorities to ensure that Kaili’s rights are fully respected during the ongoing investigation and trial processes.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Challenges
Belgian authorities continue to investigate the broader corruption scheme, which allegedly involved millions of euros in bribes funneled through a Brussels-based NGO called Fight Impunity, co-founded by Pier Antonio Panzeri, another key suspect. Panzeri has reportedly confessed to his role and implicated others, including Kaili, in accepting bribes to influence parliamentary votes and decisions.
Press reports suggest that Kaili and other implicated MEPs received at least €250,000 each from Qatar to support their re-election campaigns. Kaili’s legal team disputes these claims, describing Panzeri as “unreliable” and motivated to name others to secure a lighter sentence.
Despite appeals for her release, Belgian courts have repeatedly denied Kaili’s requests for pre-trial release, citing concerns about flight risk and potential interference with the investigation. Her lawyers have appealed these decisions, but as of mid-2025, she remains in detention.
Political Fallout and Reactions Within the European Parliament
The Qatargate scandal has deeply shaken the European Parliament. Kaili was stripped of her vice-presidential role and expelled from her political group and party. The scandal has fueled calls for stronger transparency and anti-corruption measures within EU institutions.
Some MEPs have expressed frustration over the slow pace of reforms and the damage the scandal has inflicted on the Parliament’s reputation. However, others caution against prejudging the accused before the conclusion of legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of due process.
The European Parliament has also faced criticism for its handling of Kaili’s transparency request. The General Court’s ruling suggests that the institution may have overstepped its authority in restricting access to documents, raising questions about institutional accountability.
Broader Implications for EU Transparency and Anti-Corruption Efforts
The court’s decision in favor of Kaili underscores the tension between transparency and confidentiality in high-profile corruption investigations. It highlights the need for EU institutions to balance protecting ongoing investigations with ensuring that suspects have access to evidence necessary for their defense.
This case also brings to light systemic vulnerabilities within the European Parliament’s oversight mechanisms. The Qatargate scandal has prompted calls for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar abuses and restore public trust.
Experts suggest that improving transparency regulations and enhancing the independence of investigative bodies will be crucial steps forward. The court ruling may serve as a precedent for future cases where access to documents is contested.
Eva Kaili’s Position and Statements
Throughout the investigation, Eva Kaili has maintained her innocence, asserting that she was unaware of any illegal activities. Her Greek lawyer, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, has repeatedly emphasized that Kaili
“never allowed herself to be bribed, never laundered money or anything else, and never collaborated with Mr Panzeri.”
Kaili’s defense team has criticized the Belgian prosecution for violating her rights as both a citizen and a parliamentarian. They argue that the ongoing detention and restrictions are disproportionate and undermine her ability to prepare an effective defense.
The recent court ruling on transparency has been welcomed by Kaili’s legal team as a vindication of her right to a fair trial and access to crucial information.
The European Union’s General Court ruling in favor of Eva Kaili marks a notable development in the complex and high-stakes Qatargate scandal. It challenges the European Parliament’s approach to transparency and underscores the importance of safeguarding procedural rights even amid serious corruption allegations.
As investigations proceed and the legal process unfolds, Kaili’s case will remain under intense scrutiny. The ruling may influence how EU institutions handle transparency and accountability in future corruption probes.Ultimately, the Qatargate scandal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the European Union faces in maintaining integrity within its institutions. The court’s decision reinforces the principle that justice must be balanced with transparency and fairness, ensuring that even those accused of serious misconduct receive their rightful day in court.
