European Parliament lifts immunity of MEP Jana Nagyová

The European Parliament has decided to lift the immunity of Czech MEP Jana Nagyová to allow the continuation of criminal proceedings. This decision responds to a request from the High Court in Prague and enables the Czech judicial system to fulfill its role. MEPs are directly affected by such procedures that balance parliamentary immunity with the need for justice.

Context and objectives

The procedure is based on Protocol No 7 on privileges and immunities of the EU and Czech legislation. The objective is to ensure that parliamentary immunity does not hinder legitimate criminal investigations for offences unrelated to parliamentary activity. Immunity protects political activity, not personal or previous professional actions.

Key measures

• Lifting of Jana Nagyová's immunity for offences concerning fraud with EU funds
• Transmission of the decision to Czech authorities and the MEP concerned
• Basing the decision on analysis from Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee
• Verification of absence of fumus persecutionis (suspicion of political persecution)
• Application of principles established by the Court of Justice of the EU regarding immunity

Timeline and implementation

The decision was adopted in January 2025 and immediately transmitted to the High Court in Prague. The criminal proceedings can continue on appeal according to Czech legislation. Parliament does not rule on guilt, only on the application of immunity. Subsequent control falls to competent national courts.

Impact for citizens and stakeholders

Citizens benefit from a system ensuring no one is above the law, including MEPs. National authorities can exercise their competences without unjustified obstacles. For MEPs, the decision confirms that immunity covers only parliamentary activity. EU institutions demonstrate transparency in cooperating with national judicial systems.