The Didier Reynders Investigation

Brussels 04/12/2024 - The revelations from Le Soir and Follow the Money regarding the police investigation into Didier Reynders, including the raid on his residence, are both shocking and deeply troubling. That a man entrusted with the role of European Commissioner for Justice—responsible for nothing less than ensuring the rule of law is upheld across the EU, including through the European Rule of Law Mechanism—is now under investigation for alleged corruption represents a staggering blow to the credibility of the EU’s institutions.

The irony is almost too much to bear. This is the same man who, as Commissioner for Justice, frequently pointed fingers at governments that dared to challenge the ideological straitjacket of the ruling coalition in Brussels. To now see him embroiled in allegations of such crude corruption is nothing short of a paradox of monumental proportions.

But the scandal doesn’t stop there. Reynders previously served as Belgium’s Minister of Finance, managing public funds. In hindsight, that appointment—knowing what we know now—defies belief. The fact that someone with such glaring questions surrounding their integrity could rise to such positions is a glaring indictment of the EU’s governance and the systemic failures that allowed it to happen.

To call Reynders—and those who knowingly placed him in these roles—hypocrites would be an insult to the very concept of hypocrisy. Yet, unlike Reynders and the Brussels ruling coalition he represented up until just three days ago, we will respect the principles of due process and the rule of law. We will not prejudge the investigation or leap to conclusions, no matter how tempting it may be, because justice must be impartial and free of ideological bias.

It is, however, imperative that the recently re-elected President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, provide immediate and full transparency on this matter. She must clarify what she knew about these allegations when she placed her trust in Reynders. The credibility of her leadership and the institutions she represents are now at stake. Her silence or hesitation would only further fuel doubts about the EU’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

The people of Europe deserve leaders who embody the principles they claim to defend. This scandal tarnishes not only Reynders but also the integrity of the institutions he represented. If the EU is to salvage its reputation, it must act decisively and prove that no one—not even those at the very top—is above the law.