Parliamentary immunity 

Parliamentary immunity is not a Member’s personal privilege, but a guarantee that an MEP can freely exercise his or her mandate and cannot be exposed to arbitrary political persecution. As such, it guarantees the independence and integrity of the Parliament as a whole.

Members of the European Parliament cannot be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings because of opinions expressed or votes cast in their capacity as MEP.

An MEP's immunity is twofold:

  • in his member state , similar to the immunity granted to members of national parliaments ; and
  • in the territory of any other member state, immunity from any measure of detention and from legal proceedings. (Article 9 of Protocol n°7)

Immunity cannot be claimed when a Member is found in the act of committing an offence.



Discussion on Parliamentary Immunity in the EU        
Workshop about parliamentary immunity in the EU © European Parliament  

How can immunity be waived or defended?

Following a request by a competent national authority to the European Parliament that the immunity of a Member be waived (or a request by an MEP or former MEP that his/her immunity is defended), Parliament’s President will announce the request to the plenum and refer it to the parliamentary committee responsible, which is the Committee on Legal Affairs.

The committee may ask for any information or explanation which it deems necessary. The MEP concerned will be given an opportunity to be heard, and may present any documents or other written evidence.

The committee adopts, in camera, a recommendation to the whole Parliament to approve or reject the request, i.e. to lift or defend the immunity. At the plenary session following the committee decision, Parliament reaches a decision by a simple majority vote. Following the vote, the President will immediately communicate Parliament's decision to the MEP concerned and to the competent authority of the Member State concerned.

Does an MEP keep his/her seat even if his or her immunity is waived?

Yes. The mandate of an MEP is a national mandate and cannot be taken away by any other authority. Moreover, the lifting an MEP's immunity is not a "guilty" verdict. It merely enables the national judicial authorities to proceed with an investigation or trial. And as MEPs are elected under national electoral law, if an MEP is found guilty of a criminal offence, it is for the member state's authorities to decide whether his or her mandate is therefore voided.

Further information