EU Parliament probes lawmaker over unofficial Russian diplomacy
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has launched an ethics probe into Luxembourgish MEP Fernand Kartheiser.
The move follows his attendance at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and unauthorized meetings with Russian State Duma deputies. The right-wing politician faces disciplinary sanctions, including potential fines, if found in violation of the parliament's code of conduct.
The code of conduct breach
According to a letter dated June 11, Metsola requested the Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members to evaluate Kartheiser’s actions.
This follows his 2025 expulsion from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group due to previous trips to Moscow.
Metsola revealed that Kartheiser published an unsigned joint statement with Russian lawmakers during the St. Petersburg forum.
The text outlined prospects for restoring EU-Russia relations but completely omitted the invasion of Ukraine.
Impact on institutional reputation
Metsola warned that such actions risk creating the false impression of an unofficial diplomatic channel between the European Parliament and the Russian Duma.
She emphasized that this severely distorts the official geopolitical stance of the European Union.
Furthermore, Kartheiser failed to disclose state-sponsored travel, accommodation, and dining expenses covered by third parties.
European lawmakers are legally mandated to report all such foreign-funded activities to the institution's leadership.
Defensive response
The Advisory Committee will determine whether disciplinary measures, including suspension from representing the Parliament abroad, are warranted.
Speaking to Politico, Kartheiser stated he has not yet received the official letter and declined to comment on the specific charges.
However, he defended his four videoconferences and two physical visits to Russia as legitimate parliamentary diplomacy aimed at fostering peace.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
