Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

EP decides whether to lift the immunity of Nikola Minchev and four other MEPs

MEP Nikola Minchev
Photo: BTA

The European Parliament has launched a procedure at the request of the Belgian authorities of to lift the immunity of five MEPs, including former Bulgarian National Assembly Speaker Nikola Minchev from the “Renew Europe” group, BTA reported. The request is related to an investigation into suspicions of corruption. The Belgian authorities are checking data that the Chinese company Huawei has provided gifts to MEPs in order to secure influence.

MEP Nikola Minchev told BNR’s correspondent Angelina Piskova that he himself would ask the European Parliament to lift his immunity. He was caught up in the scandal due to his attendance at a football match, where he was taken to the VIP box of the Chinese company by his former assistant Adam Mukhtar, who is currently under investigation for ties to the company. Minchev was assured by Mukhtar that the two had been invited by the assistant’s friend and neighbor whose child was having a birthday.

 "I have nothing to do with any illegal activity of these people, nor anything to worry about", MEP Minchev said, as quoted by BTA.

Edited by Diana Tsankova

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM