European Parliament lifts immunity of Polish MEP

The European Parliament has decided to lift the parliamentary immunity of Maciej Wąsik, a Member of the European Parliament from Poland. This decision comes in response to a request from Polish authorities to allow the continuation of criminal proceedings. The decision was taken in February 2025 following a thorough analysis of the case.

Context and objectives

The procedure is based on Protocol No 7 on privileges and immunities of the EU, which provides that MEPs enjoy in their home country the same immunities as members of their national parliament. The objective is to ensure that parliamentary immunity does not obstruct justice in cases unrelated to parliamentary activities.

Key measures

• Lifting of Maciej Wąsik's immunity to allow continuation of criminal proceedings in Poland
• Transmission of the decision to competent Polish authorities and the person concerned
• Decision based on analysis by the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee
• Verification that the request is not related to opinions or votes cast in the exercise of the mandate
• Finding of no evidence indicating political persecution (fumus persecutionis)

Timeline and implementation

The decision was adopted in February 2025 and was immediately transmitted to Polish authorities. The immunity waiver procedure followed the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure, including hearing the person concerned. Implementation of the decision allows national authorities to continue with the criminal proceedings.

Impact for citizens and stakeholders

The decision demonstrates that European parliamentary immunity is not a personal privilege but a guarantee for parliamentary independence. For citizens, this confirms that MEPs are subject to justice in cases not related to their parliamentary work. Polish authorities can now continue with criminal proceedings for violation of a final court judgment.