Tags : Qatargate, European Union, Henrik Hololei, European Commission, Qatar Airways,
An incident that could tarnish the European Union.
Our colleagues at Libération obtained access to a confidential report from the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) concerning the actions of Henrik Hololei when he was the Director-General for Transport. According to the report, this senior European Commission official allegedly shared confidential data with Qatar in exchange for business-class flights and luxurious vacations.
The newspaper recalls that as early as February 2023, Henrik Hololei enjoyed nine business-class flights provided by Qatar Airways and the Arab Air Carriers Organization. However, at the same time, the senior official was responsible for negotiating the so-called « Open Skies » agreement, which since 2021 has granted Qatar Airways access to the entire European Union territory.
Ursula von der Leyen was aware This is why Olaf opened an investigation in April 2023. Libération reports that the Anti-Fraud Office found that Henrik Hololei took at least 25 trips funded by Qatar, without disclosing them to the Commission authorities. In addition, Hololei and his family enjoyed five-star accommodations with access to spas, museums, theme parks, luxury dining, and a chauffeur-driven car. Gifts that the Commission member should have declined, given his position.
Furthermore, the newspaper specifies that Ursula von der Leyen has reportedly been aware of the allegations against Henrik Hololei since last July.
In December 2022, the European Parliament was embroiled in the so-called « Qatargate » affair involving Eva Kaili, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and European Deputy Antonio Panzeri.