The investigation into Huawei’s alleged corruption scheme in the European Parliament took a new turn with several arrests on May 1. Belgian federal police, in cooperation with French and Portuguese authorities, conducted a series of raids at homes and offices linked to the Chinese tech giant’s lobbying network, culminating in the arrest of a suspect in France under a European arrest warrant.
The raids focused on Brussels, where parts of the European Parliament were sealed off, including the offices of two parliamentary assistants allegedly involved. Belgian authorities confirmed the operations, which are the result of a two-year-long investigation aimed at uncovering corrupt practices carried out since 2021. Police are probing allegations that around 15 current and former MEPs received bribes in the form of gifts, luxury trips, football match tickets, and, in some cases, cash.
The case has put the EU’s institutional vulnerability to foreign interference under scrutiny, especially regarding companies tied to authoritarian regimes. Huawei, regarded by several European governments as a high-risk provider for 5G infrastructure, has long faced warnings due to its close ties with the Chinese Communist Party.
The European Parliament and the European Commission have adopted an ostensibly tough stance: in March, Huawei employees were barred from entering both institutions while investigations continue. However, the names of the MEPs involved are still undisclosed. But even if names were named,the fact remains that Ccriminal proceedings against sitting MEPs require the lifting of parliamentary immunity, a complex and politicized process that has delayed progress in other similar cases, such as the well-known ‘Qatargate.’
Indirect lobbying: Huawei keeps pulling strings
Although Huawei has been formally excluded from traditional lobbying channels in Brussels, the Chinese multinational has continued to seek influence over EU policies through indirect means. Huawei maintains an active presence in more than 50 associations and lobby groups across Europe, from Paris to Berlin.
Beyond its reputation in telecommunications, Huawei plays a major role in Europe’s energy sector. It is, for instance, the continent’s largest supplier of solar inverters, giving it a significant stake in shaping energy regulations, such as the Net-Zero Industry Act.
Huawei has skillfully embedded its interests within influential organizations like SolarPower Europe and the European Association for the Storage of Energy (EASE). While some of these associations have publicly distanced themselves from the company—as seen in March when SolarPower Europe removed Huawei’s logo from its promotional materials—the reality is that it continues to participate actively in working groups and strategic discussions.
A conservative estimate suggests Huawei spends around €1 million a year on association memberships, a perfectly legal model of influence that, in practice, undermines the official restrictions imposed by EU institutions. According to the Commission, it is not feasible to prevent these associations from continuing their contact with European officials, as they represent a broad range of industry stakeholders.
