MEP Eva Kaili stated that EU High Representative Josep Borrell had indicated a line of cooperation between Qatar and the EU – New Revelations. She also mentioned receiving a letter from EU High Representative Josep Borrell.
In the Letter, EU High Representative Josep Borrell mentioned that the European Union has close relations with Qatar and approves its reforms.
Furthermore, Borrell was the one who indicated the EU’s line on Qatar that increased understanding and enhanced cooperation with the country was desirable. “Interpersonal contacts must be the priority,” Borell emphasized in the letter.
The European top official had given these instructions in October 2022, two months before MEP Kaili was arrested on charges of financing Qatar to promote his positions.
Ahead of the visit of Qatar, she also received a note from Borrell on EU-Qatar relations. The note from EU High representative Borrell highlighted the relations between the two sides were at an all-time high.
Additionally, Borrell stressed that “energy is a key priority. Abolishing the visa for Qataris in the EU “will be the key to increasing understanding further.” Regarding this, Borrell’s note is critical to labour reforms on Qatar’s side. The EU’s position is to welcome labour reforms and asks the Gulf state to continue beyond the World Cup.
According to the sources, MEP Kaili insisted on this line in a debate in the European Parliament. Later, Corriere added that it was presented as proof and was financed and disputed the information given on November 14, 2022.
Michalis Dimitrakopoulos’s lawyer remarked, “Neither the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, nor EU High Representative Borell seems invited to speak at the hearing. However, he made a special reference to their post-arrests.
EU High Representative Borrell’s spokesman Peter Stano by commenting on the issue, stated that he was responding to a “formal request from the office of the President of the European Parliament to provide information on the visit of an MEP to Qatar.
He also summarised the EU’s standing positions on relations and cooperation with Qatar and the issues raised during the visit.
“The final information on MEPs’ trips is drawn up and finalized by the EU Parliament, and it is up to the latter to decide which of our contributions will finally take into account”, said Borrell’s spokesman Peter Stano.
