EU transparency register scandal

Accusations that Qatar has targeted officials of the European Parliament could lead to the suspension of a parliamentary vote on granting Qatari nationals visa-free travel to the bloc


Jun 2011: Voluntary transparency register agreed. To be operated jointly by European
Parliament and EU Commission

Sep 2016: Commission agrees to start negotiations on compulsory registration – move opposed by
many MEPs and commissioners

May 2021: EU makes register mandatory

Dec 2022: 12,453 lobbyists with lobby budget of €1.8 billion

Total registrants 5,431
5,952
7,532
8,981
10,911
11,612
11,901
11,899
12,187
13,366
       
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 


Eva Kaili: Vice president in European Parliament and one of four people arrested and charged in Belgium with “participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and corruption”

Dec 9: Belgian prosecutors seize €600,000 following allegations that Qatar lavished cash and gifts on parliament officials to influence decision-making
  

Sources: Transparency register report, Politico, Reuters 
Picture: Getty Images 
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