Top European Union Member States involved in registered corruption cases 2016-2021
The arrest of European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili in December 2022 over charges of corruption, money laundering, and participation in criminal organizations has sent shockwaves through the European Union. The Greek MEP and three others were imprisoned in Brussels over a corruption case connected to a Gulf country - believed to be Qatar - amid suspicions that the 2022 World Cup host has been bribing EU officials to influence institutional decisions.
Which EU countries are most involved in cases of corruption?
Kaili's arrest has thrusted the topic of corruption within the EU under the spotlight. Greece ranked first among EU Member States regarding involvement in corruption cases, with 114 instances registered in the EU justice agency between 2016 and 2021. Germany and Romania came next: The countries were involved in 99 and 88 cases, respectively. Greece also surpassed every other EU country with regards to the perception of corruption among its citizens.
The snowballing 'Qatargate' scandal
Two days after Kaili's detention, the European Parliament voted 625 to one to strip her of her vice-president status. Among the four people charged was Kaili's partner, Francesco Giorgi, a parliamentary aide. The defendants have been accused of accepting substantial sums of money from Qatar. Belgian police have searched at least 19 residences and offices amid reports of a cash-filled suitcase being found in a Brussels hotel room.
Which EU countries are most involved in cases of corruption?
Kaili's arrest has thrusted the topic of corruption within the EU under the spotlight. Greece ranked first among EU Member States regarding involvement in corruption cases, with 114 instances registered in the EU justice agency between 2016 and 2021. Germany and Romania came next: The countries were involved in 99 and 88 cases, respectively. Greece also surpassed every other EU country with regards to the perception of corruption among its citizens.
The snowballing 'Qatargate' scandal
Two days after Kaili's detention, the European Parliament voted 625 to one to strip her of her vice-president status. Among the four people charged was Kaili's partner, Francesco Giorgi, a parliamentary aide. The defendants have been accused of accepting substantial sums of money from Qatar. Belgian police have searched at least 19 residences and offices amid reports of a cash-filled suitcase being found in a Brussels hotel room.
