Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, described the arrests related to alleged corruption in the European Parliament as “very, very worrisome.”
Eva Kaili, vice president of the European Parliament, who is believe to be one of those accuse, was taken into custody.
In 16 searches conducted on Friday in Brussels, Belgian police found cash worth around €600,000 ($632,000; £515,000). Additionally taken for examination were computers and mobile phones.
Prosecutors announce on Sunday that two persons had been free while four others had been charge.
Although no suspects have been publicly identify, It’s thought that Ms. Kaili is among those who have been charge.
According to a statement from the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, they are accuse of participating in a criminal organization, money laundering, and corruption.
Analysis of “Jaws on the floor” by Jessica Parker, correspondent in Brussels
Many people’s jaws were on the floor when Belgian officials revealed the information over the past few days.
Six hundred thousand euros have been confiscate after searches of two MEPs’ houses. Regarding the accusations, the federal prosecutor’s office was as forthright.
MEPs People I’ve spoken to have expressed shock at the severity and bluntness of the claims, though not at the idea that a foreign power may attempt to affect EU policy or enhance their nation’s reputation through public discourse.
Although Qatar has denied any allegations of wrongdoing, this issue is expect to take center stage as MEPs travel to Strasbourg for one of their regular plenary meetings.
The European Parliament’s president, Roberta Metsola, removed Ms. Kaili, an eight-year MEP, from her duties as one of the 14 vice presidents.
She has also been kick out of the Greek Pasok center-left party and suspended the Socialists and Democrats group in the parliament.
Greek prosecutors are say to have frozen all of Ms. Kaili’s assets
Watchdogs and opposition MEPs claim that the bribery investigation could be one of the worst corruption scandals in the history of the European Parliament. As a former president of the European Parliament, the events and circumstances we are currently confronting worry me.
In Mr. Borrell’s opinion, the investigation was not focus on any EU diplomats.
Before the meeting on Monday, Mr. Coveney added that “we need to get to the bottom of it” and called the accusations “extremely harmful.”
The co-chair of the Green party in parliament, Terry Reintke, has called for Ms. Kaili to quit immediately.
The German MEP stated, “We shouldn’t even have to remove her from her vice president position.” Instead, she needs to handle this proactive.
According to prosecutors, a Gulf state has been meddling in the political and economic decisions of the parliament for months, particularly by targeting aides.
Although local media have identified the state as Qatar, the Qatari government has stated that any allegations of wrongdoing are “gravely erroneous.”
The Middle East is one of Ms. Kaili’s vice-presidential responsibilities. She has supported Qatar in the past.
By Belgian law, Ms. Metsola took a trip from her native Malta to Brussels on Saturday night to observe the search for an MEP’s residence.
A spokesman says the European Parliament “stands firmly against corruption” and “fully collaborates” with the authorities.