Qatargate, Arrest warrant for former Greek EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos

A European arrest warrant has been issued against Dimitris Avramopoulos, the former Greek commissioner of the European Union, as part of the ongoing investigation into the so-called "Qatargate" scandal. The Belgian prosecutor's office, which is leading the probe into allegations of bribery involving EU officials in 2022, reportedly issued this warrant based on information published by the Greek newspaper *Kathimerini*. Avramopoulos, who was a member of the first von der Leyen Commission and is currently a member of the Hellenic Parliament representing the New Democracy party, faces charges related to his alleged involvement in a criminal organization.

The legal process for his potential arrest will need to follow specific procedures outlined under Greek law, given that he holds parliamentary immunity. According to reports, the Belgian authorities have already shared relevant documentation with their Greek counterparts. This case will now proceed through several stages within Greece’s judicial system. First, it will reach the Appeals Prosecution Office in Athens, then move to the Supreme Court Prosecution, and finally be submitted to the Ministry of Justice. Ultimately, the matter will require approval from the Greek Parliament, which must vote on whether to revoke Avramopoulos' immunity before any arrest can take place.

Avramopoulos had previously been linked to the Qatargate investigation, even though he was never formally investigated. His name surfaced during the inquiry into alleged bribes paid to European parliamentarians and their assistants by representatives of Qatar and Morocco, aimed at influencing decisions made in Brussels regarding these countries. During that time, internal investigations were also conducted by the European Union itself, as Avramopoulos was among those considered for the role of EU envoy to the Gulf region—a position later held by Italian politician Luigi Di Maio.

Suspicion arose around Avramopoulos due to his presence on the board of the non-governmental organization Fight for Impunity, led by former European Parliament member Antonio Panzeri, who investigators believe played a central role in the corruption network. Although Avramopoulos stepped down from the board once the investigations became public, it was later revealed that he had received a salary for his role starting from October 1, 2020. This appointment had even been approved personally by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission at the time.

According to the Belgian prosecutors, Fight for Impunity was one of two NGOs—alongside No Peace Without Justice—that allegedly facilitated the receipt and distribution of funds sent from Doha and Rabat. As such, the offices of both organizations were searched by Belgian authorities as part of the broader investigation.

The involvement of high-profile figures and the complex web of connections between political actors, NGOs, and foreign entities have raised significant concerns about the integrity of EU institutions. The case has drawn attention not only from national authorities but also from international observers interested in how such matters are handled within the framework of European law and governance.

The unfolding situation highlights the challenges faced by European institutions when dealing with allegations of corruption that involve multiple jurisdictions and layers of authority. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring that the EU remains a credible and effective governing body. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome could set important precedents for future cases involving similar issues.

The next steps in the legal process will depend largely on the actions taken by the Greek Parliament following the submission of the case by the Ministry of Justice. If the immunity is revoked, Avramopoulos may face further legal consequences, including possible trial and sentencing. Meanwhile, the investigation continues to unfold, with more details likely to emerge as the process progresses through its various stages.