Belgian Court to Decide on Ursula von der Leyen's Immunity Amidst Vaccine Procurement Dispute
The EU Commission President is accused of corruption and procedural breaches related to COVID-19 vaccine contracts, with a Belgian court examining her immunity status.
A court in Liège, Belgium, will rule on January 6, 2025, regarding Ursula von der Leyen's legal immunity in a case involving accusations of corruption in COVID-19 vaccine procurement. The case originates from a complaint by Belgian lobbyist Frederic Baldan, who has accused von der Leyen of corruption, destruction of public documents, and procedural violations.
Case Background
The allegations against von der Leyen claim she engaged in secret negotiations with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla via text message to secure a €35 billion contract for 1.8 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. Baldan argues that these negotiations bypassed EU member states and lacked transparency. Von der Leyen contends the SMS messages were "accidentally deleted," a claim the court might find credible.
The initial hearing took place on May 17, 2024, affirming the court's jurisdiction. However, further proceedings were delayed due to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) raising an objection, arguing von der Leyen's immunity as EU Commission President protects her from prosecution.
Charges and Claims
The accusations against von der Leyen include:
- Usurpation of functions and title: Alleged circumvention of established procurement protocols.
- Destruction of public documents: Claims of SMS deletion during crucial vaccine negotiations.
- High-level corruption: Allegations of secretive dealings with Pfizer.
The EPPO, responsible for investigating financial crimes in EU institutions, has backed von der Leyen’s immunity claim, prompting criticism. Baldan and others question the EPPO's impartiality, suggesting it shields von der Leyen from corruption investigations.
Frederic Baldan’s Role
Frederic Baldan has played a key role in the controversy termed “Pfizergate.” In 2023, he filed a criminal complaint against von der Leyen for abuse of authority, document destruction, and corruption related to vaccine negotiations, claiming these actions breached EU regulations and harmed public finances.
Future Steps
The court's decision on January 6 will determine whether von der Leyen's immunity is applicable in this case. If her immunity is denied, formal proceedings could be initiated against the European Commission President. The outcome will significantly impact accountability and transparency within EU institutions, highlighting concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine procurement process and broader governance issues within the EU.
Case Background
The allegations against von der Leyen claim she engaged in secret negotiations with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla via text message to secure a €35 billion contract for 1.8 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. Baldan argues that these negotiations bypassed EU member states and lacked transparency. Von der Leyen contends the SMS messages were "accidentally deleted," a claim the court might find credible.
The initial hearing took place on May 17, 2024, affirming the court's jurisdiction. However, further proceedings were delayed due to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) raising an objection, arguing von der Leyen's immunity as EU Commission President protects her from prosecution.
Charges and Claims
The accusations against von der Leyen include:
- Usurpation of functions and title: Alleged circumvention of established procurement protocols.
- Destruction of public documents: Claims of SMS deletion during crucial vaccine negotiations.
- High-level corruption: Allegations of secretive dealings with Pfizer.
The EPPO, responsible for investigating financial crimes in EU institutions, has backed von der Leyen’s immunity claim, prompting criticism. Baldan and others question the EPPO's impartiality, suggesting it shields von der Leyen from corruption investigations.
Frederic Baldan’s Role
Frederic Baldan has played a key role in the controversy termed “Pfizergate.” In 2023, he filed a criminal complaint against von der Leyen for abuse of authority, document destruction, and corruption related to vaccine negotiations, claiming these actions breached EU regulations and harmed public finances.
Future Steps
The court's decision on January 6 will determine whether von der Leyen's immunity is applicable in this case. If her immunity is denied, formal proceedings could be initiated against the European Commission President. The outcome will significantly impact accountability and transparency within EU institutions, highlighting concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine procurement process and broader governance issues within the EU.
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