The European Parliament announced on Friday that it was temporarily denying access to its buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg to all lobbyists and representatives of Huawei.
The decision comes a day after Belgian police carried out multiples searches in various locations in connection with a corruption investigation involving the Chinese multinational.
The decision to suspend Huawei's representatives is a "precautionary measure" with "immediate effect", said a parliament spokesperson contacted by AFP.
The Chinese company currently has nine accredited representatives, according to the institution's transparency register.
According to an investigation published by the Dutch outlet, alongside Le Soir, Knack and Reporters United on Thursday, the Chinese technology company is now at the heart of the European Parliament’s latest corruption scandal.
The European parliament, the Paul-Henry Spaak building (PHS). Credit: Belga/James Arthuer Gekiere
They allegedly bribed both former and current MEPs to advance the company’s interests on the continent. Around 15 MEPs are believed to be involved in the scheme, the investigative media allege.
Investigators believe that the lobbyists may have used undeclared payments and gifts to sway politicians. These include giving away football tickets, lavish gifts, large cash payments and even all-expenses trips to China in exchange for support for the Chinese company.
Payments to at least one of the politicians involved in the scandal passed through a Portuguese company.
This corruption case is the latest in a string of high-profile corruption scandals targeting the European Parliament.
In December 2022, police discovered money in the homes of MEPs suspected to have taken cash bribes from Qatari and Moroccan officials.
