Qatar lobbying: European Parliament scandal shows urgent need for tighter regulations

If the European Parliament were to fight abuses more firmly, if transparency, probity and ethics were at the heart of its work organisation, then the institution would stop attracting dishonest people

Greek MEP Eva Kaili has been charged in connection with an investigation into suspected corruption linked to Qatar. Picture: Menelaos Myrillas / SOOC /AFP via Getty Images

On December 11, Eva Kaili, vice-president of the European Parliament, and three others were charged and imprisoned in connection with an investigation into suspected corruption linked to Qatar.

Ms Kaili, a Greek Socialist MP in charge of relations with the Middle East, had recently explained to her peers that Qatar was “at the forefront of labour law” and its will to host the football World Cup signalled substantial democratic progress. Any elected representative critical of Qatar were engaging in “harassment”, she said.