The European Union on Wednesday defended the trip of top diplomats to Morocco, which has been linked, along with Qatar, to a corruption scandal launched in the European Parliament.
As “there is no evidence” of wrongdoing at this stage, it is right trip by the head of EU foreign policy Josep Borrell there and there should be preceded, a spokesman for Borrell said.
“Nobody has officially said from the court’s point of view that Morocco is a wrong country, and Morocco should be avoided in international contacts,” said spokesman Peter Stano.
The scandal erupted last month when Belgian police raided several addresses used by several members of parliament and aides in the European Parliament, lobbyists and NGO heads.
The search yielded 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) in cash, which was allegedly paid as part of an attempt to influence decisions in the European Parliament.
Qatar has denied any wrongdoing in the case, which is still being investigated by Belgian authorities.
Four suspects were arrested, including Greek MEP Eva Kaili. He could not exercise parliamentary immunity because the judge determined he had been caught red-handed.
Kaili, who was removed from his post as one of the 14 vice-presidents of parliament after his arrest, insists he is innocent.
Through his lawyer he has not known about the 150,000 euros in cash found in the Belgian house.
Her Italian boyfriend, Francesco Giorgi, a parliamentary assistant, has reportedly confessed to Belgian prosecutors, who also allege Moroccan involvement.
– ‘Important partner countries’ –
MEPs have raised concerns about Morocco being able to participate after the development in the case in the Belgian newspaper.
The relationship has clouded over other EU institutions, and increased media scrutiny of the transaction by EU commissioners and top officials recently dealing with Qatar and Morocco.
Stano said the matter “is in the hands of the courts in Belgium” and “we have full confidence” in their work to investigate the allegations.
In the meantime, “Morocco is a very important partner country” for the European Union, which wants to develop a partnership with them.
Borrell “will also raise issues of concern on our side” during the visit, Stano added.
The four suspects in Belgian pre-trial detention are: Kaili, Giorgi; former Italian MEP, Pier Antonio Panzeri; and Niccolo Figa-Talamanca, head of an Italian NGO suspected of making payments to MEPs.
All four were charged with “criminal organization, corruption and money laundering”.
Greece and Italy have launched their own investigations into the alleged corruption.
The European Parliament has vowed reforms to clean up the legislature, including strengthening whistle-blower protection, banning all “informal friendship groups” with foreign governments, and increasing the vetting of finance MEPs.