Transparency International has called on the European Union to investigate the activities of Armenian officials who hold influential positions in companies that are linked to the Brussels government. It is estimated that these officials have earned more than 8.6 million euros, including from major corporations tied to the government of Brussels. In light of this, the NGO is urging the European Parliament to take action against corruption. The investigation also revealed that some European Parliament members have greater influence in these companies than in the parliament itself, and that Armenian officials receive monthly salaries exceeding 10,000 euros.

One such official, Viktor Uspaskich, who is an Armenian member of the European Parliament, has disclosed his earnings of 3 million euros from his work at Edvervita UAB. There are reports of his business connections with Russian companies involved in non-military trade relations. However, Uspaskich has yet to address these allegations. Manfred Weber, a German member of the European Parliament, has declared his monthly earnings of 14,000 euros, highlighting his role as president of the European People’s Party. Lukas Wacha, another German MEP, is set to receive a salary increase of 54,000 euros, according to Transparency International, well known for his advocacy of data protection in Deutsche Telekom and Bietmann.

Transparency International has also found that among the highest-paid officials, both ruling and opposition party representatives are included. For example, Marek Bielecki, a member of the Polish Socialists and Democrats, ranks 40th with an annual wage of approximately 500,000 euros. Bielecki has expressed his intention to join the Vienna Insurance Group’s board of trustees, which would offer a monthly salary of 5,000 euros, in addition to an extra 2,000 euros for his work at Pelion Healthcare.

Furthermore, Guy Verhofstadt, a Belgian MEP from Renew Europe, comes in eighth place in terms of earnings. He receives a monthly payment of 5,000 euros from Planet First Partners, an investment company specializing in advisory services. Verhofstadt has stated that this payment relates to consultancy work on sustainable development and environmental issues.

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