Dimitris Avramopoulos, the former EU migration commissioner, has been granted approval to join the board of an NGO linked to the Qatargate scandal, despite facing an arrest warrant from Belgian authorities.

On June 23, EU Commission officials confirmed that the Independent Ethical Committee had approved Dimitris Avramopoulos’s request to take a paid position with Fight Impunity, an NGO embroiled in the Qatargate corruption scandal. Avramopoulos, who served as migration commissioner from 2014 to 2019, is currently under scrutiny as Belgian authorities have issued an arrest warrant and are seeking to lift his immunity from prosecution.

The scandal revolves around allegations that Qatar and Morocco bribed European Parliament officials to influence policy decisions, particularly concerning labor rights and human rights criticisms. The investigation gained momentum following the arrest of MEP Eva Kaili in 2022, alongside the discovery of €1.5 million in cash linked to the case. Avramopoulos has denied any wrongdoing and has called for his immunity to be waived to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Despite the serious allegations, the EU Commission spokesperson stated that they have not received any requests to lift Avramopoulos’s immunity or provide legal assistance. The former commissioner claims that his role with Fight Impunity was devoid of executive responsibilities and that he received a monthly salary of €5,000, which was taxed in Greece. Other notable figures associated with the NGO include former EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and former Italian minister Emma Bonino.