Full Breakdown
EPPO Requests Lifting of Immunity for Polish MP Over EU-Funded Tram Corruption Probe
5/8/2026, 1:29:04 AM
EPPO’s Request to Lift Parliamentary Immunity
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) chief prosecutor Laura Kövesi sent a request to the Sejm on 5 May 2026 to remove the legal immunity of a sitting MP. The request alleges “suspected trading in influence…linked to the EU-funded modernisation of tram infrastructure in the Upper Silesian-Zaglebie Metropolis.” A Sejm majority is required before the MP can be charged.
Background and Context
Poland joined the EPPO in March 2024 after the centre-left Civic Coalition (KO) replaced the Law and Justice (PiS) government. The EPPO, created in 2021, investigates crimes that affect EU financial interests. PiS had previously kept Poland outside the body, citing fears of political misuse.
Key Figures and Groups
- Unidentified MP – not named; media identify Wojciech Król, deputy chair of KO’s caucus and head of the National Media Council (RMN).
- Laura Kövesi – EPPO chief prosecutor.
- Adam Szlapka – Tusk government spokesperson.
- CBA – Central Anti-Corruption Bureau, cooperating with the EPPO.
Timeline
- 2007-2027 – EU earmarked 1.9 bn zloty (€448 m) for tram upgrades in Upper Silesia.
- Dec 2023 – CBA detained four suspects in the case.
- Mar 2024 – Poland joined the EPPO.
- 5 May 2026 – EPPO asked the Sejm to lift the MP’s immunity.
Data and Statistics
- EU tram funding: 1.9 bn zloty (€448 m).
- Bribes transferred: ? 640 000 €.
- Cash seized by CBA: > 1 million zloty.
- Alleged illicit gains: ? 2.7 million zloty.
Why It Matters
The request is the first EPPO demand to strip a sitting MP’s immunity, testing Poland’s EU-law-enforcement partnership. The outcome could affect oversight of EU-funded projects and balance between parliamentary privilege and anti-corruption enforcement.
Official Statements & Responses
- EPPO’s request refers to suspected trading in influence linked to the EU-funded tram modernisation in the Upper Silesian-Zaglebie Metropolis.
- The CBA confirmed cooperation with the EPPO on searches, arrests and cash seizures.
- Spokesman Adam Szlapka described the request as a routine consequence of Poland joining the EPPO.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The MP’s name is not officially disclosed. Media outlets Gazeta Wyborcza and Onet identify the person as Wojciech Król, but the MP, KO and parliamentary authorities have not commented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “suspected trading in influence…linked to the EU-funded modernisation of tram infrastructure in the Upper Silesian-Zaglebie Metropolis” — EPPO
- “The evidence also showed that, on several occasions, financial benefits were given to a member of parliament,” — EPPO
- “This is a normal process, the result of Poland’s decision to join the EPPO. We need to get used to such cases,” — Adam Szlapka, Tusk spokesman
What’s Next
The Sejm will debate the request; a majority vote is needed to lift immunity. Approval would permit formal charges, while continued CBA investigations could bring further arrests or asset seizures as the EPPO pursues the tram-fund probe.
