Managing conflicts of interest in the EU institutions: the case of Henrik Hololei and Qatar

Priority question for written answer P-002582/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Chloé Ridel (S&D)

According to the Europan Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Estonian Henrik Hololei accepted gifts from Qatar between 2015 and 2021 whilst he was Director-General for Transport and leading negotiations on an EU-Qatar agreement on air transport with Qatar Airways. He provided Qatar with confidential information during the negotiations in exchange for luxury holidays, shopping sessions and other gifts for him and his family.

OLAF opened an investigation in April 2023 and forwarded this confidential report to the President of the Commission in July 2024. However, neither the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) nor the Belgian criminal court, which is competent to deal with such cases, has been seized.

There is clear evidence of corruption: in an email sent in early 2015, Henrik Hololei provided the Franco-German position and political priorities on the agreement, at a time when there should not have been any formal relationship between the EU and Qatar Airways, as the agreement negotiations had yet to start.

• 1.Why was this case not immediately forwarded to EPPO, and why does Henrik Hololei still hold a position in the Commission?
• 2.Does the Commission confirm that the directive on combating corruption will be implemented effectively to prevent such incidents in the future?
• 3.Will it suspend the EU-Qatar agreement on air transport to preserve its integrity?

Submitted: 19.11.2024