The European Ombudsman is investigating the European Commission into Qatar-sponsored flights and hotel stays. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, ombudsman Emily O’Reilly asked for information on how the institution she runs “deals with requests for business travel by its senior staff paid for by third parties”.

At the same time, O’Reilly is asking the Commission to change its rules and make public the travel expenses paid by third parties, German media reported, citing DPA sources.

Subordinate to Adina Vălean

In particular, the investigation concerns the trips of the head of the General Directorate for Mobility and Transport Henrik Hololei. This is the highest official subordinate to the responsible European Commissioner Adina Velyan, writes FAZ.net.

Hololei has flown several times for free in Qatar Airways business class since 2015, according to Politico magazine, cited by the German newspaper. Four of those flights were paid for by the Qatari government or groups close to the government.

According to the spokesperson of the European Commission, hotel accommodation expenses were also covered. At the same time, the European Commission agreed on an agreement on flights with Qatar. This “raises a legitimate question about possible undue influence on EU decision-making in this area,” O’Reilly noted.

In his letter, the ombudsman also expressed dissatisfaction with the European Commission’s previous statement that there was no conflict of interest, as the director general was not part of the negotiating team.

“The public shouldn’t make that distinction,” said Emily O’Reilly, demanding a response by June 3.

Qatar and European corruption

Qatar has already found itself at the center of a bribery scandal involving the European Parliament, which became public in December. The country is accused of influencing political decisions. Several MEPs are in custody, they are suspected of corruption and money laundering.

As the spokesperson of the European Commission explained on Monday, the official in the case “followed all the rules” that apply. Therefore, as the head of the General Directorate of Transport, he is responsible for considering possible conflicts of interest in matters that concern him personally.

At the same time, the Commission announced that it intends to strengthen the current rules. In future, third party travel expenses should only be accepted if they relate to the UN, G7 or G20.