Belgian law enforcement authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Dimitris Avramopoulos, the former European Union (EU) Commissioner for Migration. This legal action marks a significant development in the high-profile investigation into the so-called "Qatargate" corruption scandal.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, which cited reports from Euronews, the investigation centers on allegations that EU officials accepted bribes in exchange for promoting Qatar's interests within the bloc. Investigators allege that Avramopoulos served on the honorary committee of "Fight Impunity," a non-profit organization led by former MEP Antonio Panzeri, which Belgian authorities have characterized as a criminal network.
In response to the allegations, Avramopoulos has maintained his innocence, stating in a deposition to the Athens Prosecutor's Office that he declared all funds received from the organization in his income statements. He has requested the lifting of his immunity to facilitate the legal process. Legal experts suggest that the issuance of an arrest warrant may serve as a formal procedural step to officially waive immunity and compel testimony.
The "Qatargate" scandal, which first emerged in December 2025, has sent shockwaves through European political circles. Belgian authorities conducted a series of raids across Brussels and Bruges, including searches at the EU diplomatic service headquarters and the College of Europe. Several high-ranking figures have been implicated, including former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, former senior European Commission official Stefano Sannino, and Cesare Dzegretti, a director at the College of Europe. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns regarding transparency and lobbying practices within EU institutions.
