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REPORT (2024/2047(IMM))

On the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron

A-10-2025-0077

Committee on Legal Affairs · Rapporteur: Pascale Piera

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The Committee on Legal Affairs proposes that Parliament waive the immunity of Petr Bystron, a Member of the European Parliament, in connection with criminal proceedings in Germany for alleged corruption, money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.

Committee position. The Committee on Legal Affairs proposes that Parliament waive the immunity of Petr Bystron.

Key points

  1. The Munich Public Prosecutor requested the waiver of immunity for alleged offences including at least six counts of passive corruption, money laundering and fraud, and at least five counts of tax evasion.
  2. The request states that Bystron may have received cash and cryptocurrency from the operator of the pro-Russian website 'Voice of Europe' in return for speaking and voting in the interests of the Russian Government.
  3. Bystron reportedly deposited and withdrew suspicious sums, tried to conceal the origin of cash, and made cash deposits from alleged bribes between July 2021 and July 2023.
  4. As a member of the national parliament, Bystron reportedly voted and spoke in ways favourable to the Russian Government on Russia-related issues since 2022.
  5. Bystron allegedly misused a flat-rate allowance by paying his lawyer for work not related to his parliamentary mandate, causing a loss of EUR 97,400.00 to Germany.
  6. Incorrect VAT returns for 2017 to 2021 led to an undue refund of EUR 9,949.17.
  7. The alleged offences occurred before Bystron became a Member of the European Parliament, and they are not related to his parliamentary duties under Article 8 of Protocol No 7.
  8. Parliament found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, meaning no indication that the proceedings aim to undermine Bystron's political activity as an MEP.

Who is affected

  • Petr Bystron, Member of the European Parliament, whose immunity would be waived, allowing criminal proceedings to continue.
  • The competent authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, which will receive the decision and report.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 97,400.00: loss incurred by Germany due to alleged misuse of flat-rate allowance.
  • EUR 9,949.17: undue VAT refund allegedly paid.

Legal basis: Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976.