MOSCOW, Dec 25 Germany seeking to replace Russian energy supplies , is at risk of being dominated by Qatar, as shown by the «threats» of the emirate due to a corruption scandal in the European Parliament, the German newspaper Die Welt writes. liquefied natural gas (LNG). For this reason, European politicians have traveled to the region many times this year to conclude contracts for the supply of resources.
However, Europe, seeking to reduce Russia's share in energy supplies, now seems to be falling «out of the fire and into the frying pan,» states Die Welt. After the launch of an investigation into a corruption case against the former deputy head of the European Parliament (EP) Eva Kaili, associated with the holding of the World Cup in Qatar, the EP tried to ban access to Qatari lobbyists for the time being. After that, the emirate «in an unpleasant manner» showed that he was aware of the power he had. Thus, a Qatari diplomat called the attempt to suspend Doha's cooperation with the European Parliament «discriminatory» and warned that such a move could have a «negative» impact on relations and gas supplies.
«Thus, the small emirate is blatantly threatening Europe to turn off the gas valve,» says Die Welt.
German companies have only recently signed contracts with Qatar for the supply of two million tons of LNG from 2026, so one should be wary that » the German government will think twice before making any statements or decisions that might anger the sheikhs.»
In early December, police and the Belgian prosecutor's office carried out several arrests and searches in Brussels, where the European Parliament is located, due to an investigation into suspicions of corruption. In particular, the police detained the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Eva Kaili and her partner. We are talking about the possible receipt of «large cash rewards» and «expensive gifts» for supporting the application of Qatar, which was preparing to host the World Cup. Belgian investigators seized more than 1.5 million euros in cash and valuable gifts from the suspects. Kylie was expelled from her political party at home, and also lost her position in the European Parliament.
According to the Financial Times, citing a senior Qatari diplomat, the EU's actions in connection with the corruption scandal around the European Parliament could «negatively affect» cooperation in the field global energy security between Brussels and Doha. At the same time, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said earlier that questions about suspicions of corruption in the European Parliament, where Qatar may be involved, and about buying gas in this country should be separated.