Polish MEP Grzegorz Braun Loses Immunity After Alleged Crimes

The European Parliament, in its 2024‑2029 term, decided on 26 March 2026 to waive the parliamentary immunity of MEP Grzegorz Braun, a Polish member elected in June 2024.

The waiver was requested by the Polish Prosecutor General on 16 July 2025 after the Regional Public Prosecutor of Warsaw‑Praga filed a case against Braun for several alleged crimes committed in 2025:

• 30 April 2025 – Biała Podlaska: Braun and another person allegedly stole a Ukrainian flag from the city hall balcony, an offence under Polish Criminal Code article 278(3a).
• 6 May 2025 – Katowice: Braun and another person allegedly stole an EU flag from the Ministry of Industry lobby, also under article 278(3a).
• 11 June 2025 – Warsaw: Braun allegedly destroyed ten coloured boards in an LGBTQ+ exhibition in the Sejm lobby, an offence under article 288(1).
• 28 April 2025 – Warsaw: Braun allegedly made defamatory remarks about the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) on live TV, an offence under article 212(2).

The Parliament noted that these alleged offences are unrelated to Braun’s parliamentary duties and that no evidence shows the legal action is aimed at undermining his political activity. Under EU protocol, parliamentary immunity protects MPs only for actions performed in the course of their duties; it is not a personal privilege. Because no “fumus persecutionis” (evidence of political persecution) was found, the Parliament concluded that the immunity could be waived.

The decision instructs the Parliament’s President to send the waiver and the committee report immediately to the Polish authorities and to Braun.

Broader Context

Parliamentary Immunity in the EU
Parliamentary immunity is a legal protection given to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to ensure they can do their job without fear of legal harassment or political pressure. This immunity is not absolute—it only covers actions directly related to their official duties, like speaking or voting in Parliament. If an MEP is accused of a crime unrelated to their work, national authorities can ask the European Parliament to waive this immunity. The Parliament then decides if the request is justified and if the case is truly about the MEP’s personal actions, not their political role.

Why This Matters
This system balances two important principles: protecting democracy (so MEPs can work freely) and ensuring no one is above the law. When immunity is waived, it means the legal process can move forward, just like it would for any other citizen.

Impact on EU Citizens

For people living in the EU, this case shows how the law applies equally to everyone, including elected officials. If an MEP is accused of breaking the law outside their official duties, they can be investigated and tried in court, just like any other person. This helps maintain trust in the justice system and ensures that public figures are held accountable for their actions.

It also reminds citizens that while MEPs have special protections for their work, these protections are limited and can be removed if there’s evidence of wrongdoing unrelated to their role. This process is designed to be fair and transparent, so the public can see that justice is being served without political interference.