Brussels (Eurotoday) – A Belgian court in Liège will review EU Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen’s legal immunity on Jan 6 over the controversy of COVID-19 vaccine procurement.
As reported by TASS, Frederic Baldan, the complainant, said:
“The Belgian court hearing on January 6 will be carried out upon an address of the EU office of the prosecutor that should scrutinize acts of corruption in EU institutions but which is de facto acting to support von der Leyen now. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office sent an address to the court, saying that von der Leyen has the immunity against court prosecution on accusations of corruption when purchasing COVID-19 vaccines that did not pass clinical trials.”
What are the charges against Von der Leyen?
EU Commission President Von der Leyen is accused of several charges, among them “usurpation of functions and title,” destruction of public documents, and high-level corruption. These charges are based on allegations that she messaged Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, via SMS in order to conclude a deal over 1.8 billion vaccine doses worth some €35 billion without proper transparency or the consent of EU member states. She claimed the messages were deleted accidentally.
It is on record that the first date for hearing this case was set on May 17, 2024. At this session, the court simply confirmed its jurisdiction over the matter. However, the subsequent session was thwarted by a preliminary objection raised by the EPPO, arguing that von der Leyen was immune from prosecution under her status.
What role did Frederic Baldan play in this case?
A Belgian lobbyist, Frederic Baldan, was the plaintiff in the legal action against Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s President. Baldan was behind the controversy regarding the “Pfizergate” involving allegations that Ursula von der Leyen carried out secret negotiations with Pfizer concerning COVID-19 vaccine contracts and did not pass through the correct channels.
In 2023, Baldan filed a criminal complaint against von der Leyen for several offences, including abuse of authority, destruction of public documents, and corruption related to her negotiations with Pfizer. He alleges that these acts damaged public finances and violated EU regulations.
Comments
One response to “Belgian Court to Examine Von der Leyen’s Immunity in Corruption Case”
-
Looks like we’re all set for a thrilling episode of “Who’s Got Immunity?” starring Ursula von der Leyen, where the plot twist is that corruption is as common in Brussels as rain in London. 🍵💼 Must be nice to have a VIP pass to avoid the legal limbo, eh? 😂
Last News
MEPs Support EU Heart Health Strategy, but Critics Warn of Overlooking Core Disease Causes
The European Parliament’s Public Health Committee has adopted its response to the EU’s cardiovascular health plan, backing prevention, early detection, and action against risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
The report, approved on June 24 by 38 votes to two, with one abstention, responds to the European Commission’s Safe Hearts Plan, unveiled in December 2025. It calls for a coordinated E
EU Leverages Visa Policy on Guinea
9 EU Countries Call to Defund Olympics Over Russian Re-entry
“Nothing has changed on the ground. Russia is still waging its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine,” stated Swedish Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed. “EU funding programs and cooperation frameworks cannot
Establishing a New Standard in Luxury Travel
The move is said to mark a milestone in Emirates’ continued investment into elevating customer experience on-ground.
The new design aesthetic has been revealed in the Emirates Lounge in Munich, as well as Frankfurt, with signature lounges in
Moldova’s EU Path Secures a Business-Minded Nominee
Maia Sandu selects Vasile Tofan as prime minister as Chisinau seeks stability in reform, public trust, and EU accession
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has appointed businessman and investor Vasile Tofan as the next prime minister, starting a two-week parliamentary approval period during a critical phase for Moldova’s EU aspirations. Announced on Saturday, this decision puts economic recovery, adm
Burnham Launches Battle Against ‘Cover-Up Culture’
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, also known as the Hillsborough law, is named after the 1989 tragedy at the Sheffield stadium where 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives in a crush.
The proposed legislation requires public bodies to be tru
The Day the European Parliament Yielded to Far-Right Pressure, Setting a Concerning Precedent
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
Noskova Brings Wimbledon Victory to Czech Republic
Written by Daniel Mercer, Sports Correspondent, The European Times
Although Wimbledon often highlights champions as solitary figures, Noskova’s win represents a triumph f
Peers told to attend House of Lords more often — or get fired
The implementation of this limited change took over 18 months, and Starmer did not secure agreement on additional reforms to reduce the House’s size, which were part of his Labour Party’s election-winning 2024 man
Business Press Releases Foster Trust and Enhance Google Visibility
London, July 13 Eurotoday Newspaper – Business press releases are becoming a key part of corporate communication strategies as companies seek stronger online visibility and greater public trust. Public relations professionals report that businesses publishing timely, factual announcements are more likely to attract media attention while supporting their long-term presence in Google Search and G
Leave a Reply