Belgium’s Supreme Court Ends Von Der Leyen “pfizergate” Case After 3 Years, But Questions Linger

Belgium’s Supreme Court has ruled that a criminal title against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was inadmissible, closing a three-year ineligible conflict complete alleged misconduct successful nan EU’s Covid-19 vaccine procurement.

The ruling, confirmed by a Brussels Court spokesperson and lawyers involved, upholds a 2023 Liège tribunal determination to disregard nan case. For von der Leyen, it’s a clear ineligible win. For critics, it leaves deeper questions astir accountability and transparency astatine nan apical of nan EU.

Complaint centred connected “Pfizergate” allegations

The title was revenge by Frédéric Baldan, a erstwhile EU lobbyist, accusing von der Leyen of interference successful nationalist office, demolition of evidence, corruption, and conflict of interest.

Pharmaceutical elephantine Pfizer and its CEO Albert Bourla were besides named, though they declined to comment. Hungary and Poland initially supported nan lawsuit but softly withdrew earlier nan last ruling – a move that raised eyebrows among EU-watchers.

On Wednesday, 22 October, nan Supreme Court rejected nan appeal, confirming nan earlier dismissal. “It’s a bully decision, and we invited it,” said Adrien Masset, von der Leyen’s lawyer, quoted by Euractiv.

Commission ‘welcomes nan outcome’ – critics spot unfinished business

A European Commission spokesperson said Brussels was “aware of nan judgement and welcomes nan outcome,” stressing that nan Commission itself was ne'er a statement to nan case.

But for those who person followed nan alleged “Pfizergate” saga, nan ineligible closure does not mean nan contention is over. The Commission’s refusal to merchandise matter messages betwixt von der Leyen and Pfizer’s CEO during vaccine negotiations continues to tie disapproval from transparency advocates.

“This conclusion for nan plaintiffs brings clarity,” nan Commission added – though critics reason nan existent clarity still lies successful those missing messages.

EPPO investigation still underway

Despite nan ruling, nan European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirmed it is still investigating aspects of nan EU’s vaccine procurement process. No charges person been revenge truthful far, but nan probe keeps nan rumor alive.

The EU General Court has already criticised nan Commission for failing to warrant why nan vaccine-related messages were not retained, a constituent that continues to substance scepticism among MEPs and citizens.

Public guidance divided

For supporters, nan judgement vindicates von der Leyen and closes a politically charged chapter. For sceptics, it highlights nan EU’s opaque handling of billion-euro contracts negotiated astatine nan tallness of a nationalist wellness crisis.

With nan EPPO enquiry ongoing, positive nan recent ethanol spotlight, statement complete transparency and spot successful EU institutions is apt to intensify alternatively than fade.

View each news from Belgium.