Parliament acts to clear way for probe into MEPs

BRUSSELS — The president of the European Parliament has launched an urgent procedure to waive the immunity of two lawmakers, following a request from Belgian judicial authorities investigating a major corruption scandal rocking European Union politics.

The European Parliament said on Monday that President Roberta Metsola asked all services and committees to give the procedure priority, with the goal to have it finished by Feb 13.

"From the very first moment, the European Parliament has done everything in its power to assist in investigations and we will continue to make sure that there will be no impunity," Metsola said. "Those responsible will find this parliament on the side of the law. Corruption cannot pay and we will do everything to fight it."

The EU Parliament press service did not identify the two MEPs. But according to two people familiar with the case who were not allowed to speak publicly because the investigation is ongoing, they are Italian Andrea Cozzolino and Belgian Marc Tarabella.

The two did not immediately respond to queries asking for comments.

Tarabella, whose home was raided last month, and Cozzolino have denied wrongdoing and suspended their membership of the Parliament's Socialists and Democrats group, or S&D.

Cozzolino had previously said he was ready to abandon his parliamentary immunity so that he will be able to answer questions from the authorities.

"When it comes to the request to lift their immunity, the S&D group would follow, in the context of the European Parliament, the procedures foreseen in a responsible and constructive manner," the S&D said.

A third member of Parliament, Eva Kaili, has already been charged in relation to the scandal, which allegedly involves Qatari and Moroccan officials suspected of influencing economic and political decisions with gifts and money.

Qatar vehemently denies involvement and Morocco has yet to respond to allegations that its ambassador to Poland might have been involved.

The scandal came to public attention after police launched more than 20 raids, mostly in Belgium but also in Italy. Hundreds of thousands of euros were found at a home and in a suitcase at a hotel in Brussels. Mobile phones and computer equipment and data were seized.

Agencies via Xinhua