Qatargate scandal deepens as European arrest warrant issued for former EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos
Belgian judicial authorities have issued a European arrest warrant for former European Commissioner and Greek lawmaker Dimitris Avramopoulos as part of the ongoing Qatargate corruption investigation, marking a major escalation in one of the European Union’s most significant political scandals in recent years.
The warrant was reportedly issued by a Belgian investigating judge overseeing the case, which centers on allegations that foreign actors sought to influence decision-making within European institutions through illicit payments, gifts, and lobbying activities. Prosecutors have continued to expand the scope of the investigation since the scandal first emerged in late 2022.
Avramopoulos, who served as European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship between 2014 and 2019, is the latest high-profile figure to become entangled in the probe. Belgian and Greek media reports indicate that judicial procedures are now expected to move forward under the framework of European legal cooperation mechanisms.
The Qatargate investigation has already led to a series of arrests, searches, and corruption-related allegations involving current and former European Parliament officials. The latest development is likely to intensify scrutiny of lobbying practices and transparency rules within EU institutions.
