How does the EU solve a problem like Qatar?

Can the EU afford to snub Qatar? The corruption scandal engulfing the European Parliament centres around allegations that the Gulf state gave bribes in exchange for influence and favour at the European Parliament. But if the EU cleans up this problem by distancing itself from Qatar, it might have a serious, potentially even larger, dilemma on its hands.

The war in Ukraine, sky-high inflation, the energy crisis and internal divisions have already shaken the very foundations of the EU. With four suspects, including Eva Kaili, a vice president of the European Parliament, now being held on charges of corruption and money laundering, what has been dubbed ‘Qatargate’ may push the EU over the brink. Even if it wanted to, can it clean up its own act?

Before the war in Ukraine, the EU imported 40 per cent of its gas and 27 per cent of its oil from Russia. These gas imports have now fallen to under 10 per cent with oil imports to follow by the end of the year.