The European Parliament has voted against stripping the immunity of Bulgarian MEP Nikolay Minchev, effectively halting legal proceedings against him in the ongoing “Huawei-gate” lobbying investigation. According to parliamentary records, the decision followed a review by the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI), which declined to waive immunity for Minchev and two other European lawmakers, despite allegations of improper corporate influence involving the Chinese technology giant.
Why did the European Parliament reject the immunity waiver?
The European Parliament’s JURI committee, tasked with evaluating requests from national prosecutors, found insufficient grounds to waive immunity for Minchev. As reported by the committee’s June 2026 proceedings, the decision signals a high evidentiary bar for lifting the protections afforded to MEPs. While the committee did approve an immunity waiver for an Italian representative, it granted protective status to Minchev, Maltese socialist Daniel Attard, and Italian politician Salvatore De Meo. According to parliamentary procedure, immunity does not imply innocence; it simply prevents national authorities from conducting formal interrogations or coercive legal measures against a sitting member.
In the European Parliament, immunity is not a personal privilege but a safeguard for the institution. Lifting it requires a formal vote, meaning an MEP cannot unilaterally waive their own immunity to face questioning, unlike the standard practice in many national legislatures.
What is the “Huawei-gate” investigation?
The investigation centers on allegations of corruption, document forgery, and money laundering linked to Huawei’s lobbying efforts. According to the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, the inquiry originated from a massive 2025 operation involving searches at over 20 locations across Belgium, France, and Portugal. Investigators, as cited by Politico, allege that Huawei utilized a corporate box at the “Constant Vanden Stock” stadium in Brussels to influence EU digital policy and 5G network regulations. The scheme reportedly involved gifting tickets and hospitality to MEP assistants to gain access to newly elected officials.
How was Nikolay Minchev linked to the scandal?
Minchev’s connection to the inquiry surfaced in March 2025, when police searched an office in the European Parliament used by his then-assistant, Adam Mukhtar. According to investigators, Mukhtar, a co-founder of the “EU40” organization, acted as a bridge between the Chinese firm and parliamentary staff. Minchev has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement to the Bulgarian outlet 24 Chasa, the MEP explained that his attendance at a football match in the company of his assistant and others was a social event, not a lobbying encounter. He maintained that he was unaware of any corporate ties to the host at the time.
Comparison: The “Huawei-gate” vs. “Qatargate” precedents
| Feature | Qatargate | Huawei-gate |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Foreign influence | Corporate lobbying/5G |
| Key Figure | Eva Kaili | Adam Mukhtar |
What happens next for the investigation?
Despite the immunity rejection, the broader investigation into Huawei’s lobbying tactics remains active. Belgian authorities continue to examine a 2021 incident involving a letter sent to European Commissioners that favored Huawei’s 5G equipment deployment. While the immunity vote protects Minchev from immediate legal action, the European Parliament’s refusal to waive it complicates the prosecution’s efforts to reach those in the MEP’s former inner circle. According to court documents, Italian authorities previously refused to extradite Adam Mukhtar to Belgium, further stalling the case against the suspected link in the lobbying chain.
Stay informed on European policy transparency by checking the EU Transparency Register, which tracks organizations and individuals engaged in lobbying activities with the European Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the immunity vote mean Minchev is cleared of all suspicion? No. The immunity vote determines whether an MEP can be legally compelled to participate in a criminal investigation. It does not rule on the underlying facts or potential guilt.
- What is the role of the JURI committee? The Committee on Legal Affairs acts as a screening body to ensure that requests to waive immunity are not politically motivated and have a solid legal basis.
- Is Adam Mukhtar still working with Nikolay Minchev? No. As of the latest reports, their professional relationship has concluded.
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