EU Probes Ex-Transport Chief Over Qatar Airways Ties
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has launched a criminal investigation into Henrik Hololei, the former EU transport chief, regarding his connections with Qatar Airways. Hololei, who previously served as director general of the European Commission’s department for mobility and transport, is under scrutiny for allegedly accepting free business class flights from Qatar Airways while negotiating an Open Skies deal that favored the Qatari airline.
Background: Alleged Free Travel and Open Skies Negotiations
The probe was initiated following a Politico report in March 2023, which revealed that Hololei took nine complimentary business class flights with Qatar Airways between 2015 and 2021. During this period, he was directly involved in negotiating an Open Skies agreement with Qatar, a deal aimed at expanding air travel and granting broader market access to Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways.
This revelation raised questions about a potential conflict of interest, given the benefits Qatar Airways stood to gain from the agreement. Hololei’s close ties with Qatar Airways have since drawn scrutiny from both media outlets and EU regulatory bodies.
EPPO’s Criminal Investigation and Prior EU Actions
The EPPO’s investigation follows a separate inquiry conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which launched its own probe after Politico’s exposé. OLAF’s findings led to the European Commission’s disciplinary office being tasked with examining the matter. However, disciplinary proceedings remain in their initial phases, and no decisive actions have been taken by the EU as of yet.
The EPPO’s decision to initiate a criminal probe adds another layer to the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the severity of the allegations. French newspaper Liberation criticized the EU for allegedly failing to take adequate steps in handling Hololei’s case, urging closer scrutiny of his actions during his tenure.
Hololei’s Position and Current Role in the EU
Following the initial controversy, Hololei resigned from his role as the head of the European Commission’s mobility and transport department. Despite his resignation from this influential position, he remains employed by the EU as a political advisor, which has further fueled public interest and calls for accountability.
The criminal probe aims to establish whether Hololei’s acceptance of free flights from Qatar Airways while negotiating a high-stakes international agreement represents a breach of EU regulations or an abuse of his official capacity.
Public and Media Reactions
The allegations have sparked considerable criticism from EU member states, media, and the public, who are closely watching how the EPPO and other EU bodies will address the issue. The investigation highlights potential gaps in regulatory oversight within the EU when it comes to managing conflicts of interest involving high-ranking officials.
Qatar Airways and EU Commission Responses Awaited
ch-aviation has reached out to Qatar Airways and the European Commission for statements regarding the ongoing investigation. As of now, neither has provided a public comment on the matter.
The EPPO’s investigation is part of a broader effort to uphold ethical standards within the EU. If evidence of wrongdoing is confirmed, the case could lead to significant implications for Hololei and may prompt the EU to revisit its protocols on transparency and conflicts of interest. The outcome could potentially influence future negotiations and partnerships involving EU officials and third-party countries, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in international agreements.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com