Epstein Scandal: former EU Commissioner Pete Mandelson still receiving his pension.

The case of former European Commissioner Peter Mandelson, arrested in connection with the Epstein scandal, has formally come to the attention of the European Commission through a parliamentary question seeking clarification on the possible withdrawal of his pension and on the uniform application of ethical rules to other former members of the EU executive.

According to media reports, Mandelson risks having his former commissioner’s pension revoked due to alleged violations of European rules related to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual offenses. Recently emerged documents reportedly indicate that Mandelson, at the time a British minister, may have passed on to Epstein information concerning the €500 billion bailout plan launched in 2010 to stabilize the euro.

The Commission is assessing whether the former commissioner violated the rules of conduct that continue to apply even after leaving office. If an infringement is confirmed, the withdrawal of his pension and other benefits linked to his former position could be ordered.

The case has also been addressed by Polish MEP Mariusz Kamiński (ECR), who in a written parliamentary question asks the European executive whether it intends to apply the same standard to other former commissioners involved in judicial or controversial matters.

For example, Didier Reynders, former European Commissioner for Justice, has come under scrutiny. According to reports, money laundering allegations have been made against him relating to the period during which he was in office. Kamiński asks whether the Commission plans to adopt measures similar to those envisaged for Mandelson, including the possible revocation of pension rights.

The MEP also calls for clarification regarding information under investigation by Belgian authorities concerning Reynders’ alleged relations with Russian entities and controversial figures, including oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is under sanctions and considered close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the parliamentary question, such relationships would raise doubts about compliance with ethical principles and potential implications with regard to the European Union’s sanctions regime.

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