Key facts
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is seeking an investigation into MEP Fernand Kartheiser.
- The probe is for potential breaches of conduct rules related to Kartheiser's pro-Russian ties.
- Kartheiser has held multiple video calls with Russian Duma members and visited Russia twice since the war in Ukraine began.
- A recent visit included participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
- Metsola expressed concern over a joint declaration Kartheiser signed with Duma officials, which could misrepresent the Parliament's stance.
- The investigation will also assess Kartheiser's disclosure of meetings and travel paid for by third parties.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has requested the institution's oversight body to investigate Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser for potential breaches of the code of conduct. The probe is prompted by Kartheiser's pro-Russian ties, including at least four video calls with members of the Russian Duma and two trips to Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine. His most recent visit was on June 3 to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Metsola expressed serious concern in a letter dated June 11 regarding a joint declaration signed by Kartheiser and other MEPs with Duma officials. The declaration agreed to "continue and to deepen" cooperation, which Metsola stated could "misrepresent" the European Parliament's position and potentially circumvent existing sanctions against Russia. The Parliament officially suspended communications with Russian legislative bodies in 2014, and Russian officials have been barred from the institution since 2022.
The Parliament president also asked the advisory committee to examine whether Kartheiser properly disclosed meetings with third-country officials and travel arrangements paid for by third parties, as required by transparency rules. Potential sanctions for rule violations include loss of daily allowance and suspension from parliamentary activities. Kartheiser stated he had not yet seen the letter and found it odd that the press received it before he did.