EU Confidential
Dirty games in Brussels and war games in Europe
Mar 21, 2025
Laurens Cerulus, POLITICO's cybersecurity editor, sheds light on Huawei’s alarming lobbying scandal that has resulted in police raids and questions about Beijing’s influence in Europe. He discusses the implications for EU lawmakers amidst concerns of corruption. Meanwhile, Chris Lunday, reporting from Berlin, highlights Germany's historic shift toward increased defense spending, breaking away from its conservative fiscal policies. This pivotal change reflects Europe’s urgent need to address security challenges in light of rising global tensions.
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Quick takeaways
- The Huawei corruption scandal in the European Parliament raises critical concerns about lobbying practices and foreign influence on EU politics.
- Germany's historic amendment to allow increased defense spending reflects a significant shift in military policy aligned with broader European security initiatives.
Deep dives
Huawei Bribery Scandal in the EU
A significant bribery scandal has emerged involving Huawei, as investigations reveal the company's extensive lobbying activities in the European Parliament. Recent police raids have led to the arrest of several individuals connected to Huawei, including current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Allegations include corrupt relationships between these politicians and Huawei lobbyists, with reports of lavish gifts and invitations for political favors exchanged. This controversy raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of EU institutions and the potential influence of foreign entities on European politics.
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