The European Commission dismissed a senior official, Henrik Hololei, for violating transparency rules and conflicts of interest related to trips paid for by Qatar.

What was decided to dismiss a high official, Henrik Hololei, former director general for transport, after an investigation into violations of transparency rules and conflicts of interest. Hololei made several trips to Qatar, covered by this state, between 2015 and 2021, during the period when an 'open skies' agreement was being negotiated with Qatar Airways. Although he was not directly involved in the negotiations, he traveled for free with the airline.

The investigation was initiated after the European ombudsman requested clarifications regarding the travel rules for EU employees. Hololei left the position of director general in 2023 and was moved to a less influential post. The decision to dismiss him was made after it was established that he accepted gifts and disclosed confidential information. Hololei has three months to contest the decision. His case is distinct from the Qatargate corruption scandal, which involves other individuals from the European Parliament.