European Parliament corruption: Qatar warns of ‘negative impact’ on gas – Economic Policy
European Parliament measures against Qatar, which could be blocked in the context of an alleged corruption case, will have a “negative impact” on relations with the gas-rich emirate and global energy supplies, Doha warned on Sunday.
The institution has been shaken by the opening of the investigation in Brussels regarding Eva Kaili, a member of the Greek Parliament, who is suspected of paying money by Qatar to protect the interests of the country that is currently hosting the World Cup. On Thursday in Strasbourg, MEPs voted almost unanimously on the text “demanding the suspension of entry permits for representatives of Qatari interests” during the investigation.
The decision is made by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. “Implementing such a discriminatory restriction against Qatar, the decision to limit dialogue and cooperation until the legal process is concluded, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on the ongoing debate on global energy scarcity and security.” A Qatari diplomat said about this on Sunday.
Along with the United States and Australia, Qatar is one of the world’s major producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). After Russia invaded Ukraine, European countries looking for an alternative to Russian gas are increasingly leaning towards it.
“Exclusive” attacks
MEPs, who said they were “horrified” by the alleged acts of corruption and money laundering, also decided to suspend “all work on legislative documents related to Qatar”, primarily visa liberalization for Qatar and Kuwait, as well as work on aviation. agreement. A Qatari diplomat said in a press release that Qatar, which “strongly rejects” the accusations against it, “regrets the decisions based on inaccurate information revealed by the leaks without waiting for the conclusion of the investigation.”
He said the criticism and attacks were “solely” aimed at Qatar, although it was not the only country named in the Belgian investigation. In response to a journalist, Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola said on Thursday that she “held two meetings with representatives of the Qatari government in Brussels” and “declined” the Gulf country’s request to speak at the European Parliament. He also said he turned down Qatar’s invitation to the FIFA World Cup, citing his “concerns about this country”.
Lack of cooperation from the Belgian government
The alleged Emirati involvement in the scandal and the numerous controversies surrounding the World Cup’s respect for human rights or the environment did not deter French President Emmanuel Macron from traveling to Doha to attend the final. Sunday between France and Argentina. He already participated in the France-Morocco semi-final on Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Qatar emphasized that it has “strong” relations with many European Union countries and expressed “thanks to those who have shown their commitment to these relations in the face of the current wave of attacks.” On the other hand, the emirate condemned the lack of cooperation of the Belgian government, which it says is a “close” partner and an “important supplier” of liquefied natural gas.
The institution has been shaken by the opening of the investigation in Brussels regarding Eva Kaili, a member of the Greek Parliament, who is suspected of paying money by Qatar to protect the interests of the country that is currently hosting the World Cup. On Thursday in Strasbourg, the deputies of the European Parliament voted almost unanimously on the text “demanding the suspension of entry permits for representatives of Qatari interests” during the investigation. “The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction against Qatar, to limit dialogue and cooperation until the end of the legal process, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as on the ongoing debate on global energy scarcity and security.” A Qatari diplomat said on Sunday. Qatar is one of the world’s leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers, along with the United States and Australia. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, it has been increasingly tempted by European countries looking for an alternative to Russian gas. The alleged money, MEPs also decided to stop “all work on legislative documents related to Qatar”. Regarding visa liberalization for Qatar and Kuwait, as well as an aviation agreement. Qatar “strongly rejects” the accusations against it and regrets “decisions based on inaccurate information revealed by leaks without waiting for the conclusion of the investigation”. In the investigation opened by Belgium, he estimated that the criticism and attacks were aimed “only” at Qatar. In response to a journalist, Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola said on Thursday that she had “held two meetings with representatives of the Qatari government in Brussels” and “declined” the Gulf country’s request to speak at the European Parliament. He also said that he refused Qatar’s invitation to the FIFA World Cup, citing his “concern about this country”. – On respect for human rights or the environment – he did not stop French President Emmanuel Macron from going. To Doha to take part in Sunday’s final between France and Argentina. He had already participated in the France-Morocco semi-final on Wednesday. In a statement issued on Sunday, Qatar emphasized its “solid” relations with many countries of the European Union and expressed its gratitude to “those who have shown loyalty to these relations in the face of the current wave of attacks.” On the other hand, the emirate is “close to ” criticized the lack of cooperation from the Belgian government, which it says is a partner and a “significant supplier” of liquefied natural gas.
