The corruption scandal that involves Chinese technological giant Huawei reported, earlier this year, the debate on offers and donations received by European legislators.
Although the MEPs are often the recipients of such gifts, the theme of those present remains delicate in Brussels and Strasbourg
According to the Code of Conduct of the European Parliament, the MEPs must avoid gifts of more than 150 euros.
If a gift exceeds this limit, it will end in the hands of the president of Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who acts as a judge, jury and occasionally as a reluctant receiver of the present.
All these treasures (and some curiosities) are registered in a public registry and remain safely behind a closed door in Brussels, accessible only when a European deputy asks to visit the collection.
We clenched behind the door of this curiosity office and stood up to scratch our heads …
A dagger beyond
Among the strangest entries: a traditional indonesia dagger called “Keris Luk 7 Pandawa”, and no, not part of the EU plan to increase defense investments in Europe.
The dagger made a quite a trip: offered during a parliamentary mission to Indonesia, passed to the vice president of the Development Commission, who later delivered it to the President at a committee meeting.
The ceremonial blade now remains discreetly in Brussels, in case it is necessary.
A further flag
The European Space Agency went to the stars when it offered Metsola an EU flag that had been at the International Space Station.
That’s right, between the pens and the signs that nobody wants, there is a history of space.
Aspiring Eurovision
In what can be the most optimistic proposal in history, Italian singer Stefano Picchi sent Metsola a CD – yes, in 2023, with 11 songs and even a book of chords, in case President Malteês wants to play.
One of the songs was a tribute to the late President David Sassoli, which Picchi hoped to present in the Eurovision of this year’s song. A small problem: Picchi has never been chosen to work in Eurovision, although it appears in the archives of Parliament as a participant in the Eurovision 2022 Festival.
Among the songs, there was also one that Picchi claimed to have written with Pope Francis, citing some of the speeches of the Pontiff, a kind of divine telepathic production
Modern art
In the category of “Modern Art”, a reproduction of a naked female figure in Cyprus, offered by Annita Inameru, president of the Cipriot Parliament.
ADVERTISINGIt is a model of an ancient idol in the Pierides Museum. Cultural, without a doubt, but perhaps it is not what is expected to develop in the office.
Radio days arrive so late
The European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib recently caused a great uproar by showing an emergency kit for 72 hours that included, among other things, a portable radio.
Critics called him alarmist, until a Blackout arrived at the Iberian Peninsula last week And everyone realized that an old guard technology is not that bad idea.
Portable radios had already reached the Irish MEPs as gifts for Irish organizations for musical rights. Vinyl can be fashionable, but radios are still practical.
ADVERTISINGSports memories
Roberta Metsola also received an autographic nightgown from the Spanish women’s football team, the year before the victory of the World Championship. It is a lucky amulet.
The Raguebi team of the European Parliament joined the list with a commemorative team of its historical debut in the World Parliament World Championship.
Drinks, books and bugangas
There are things that never go from fashion. Alcohol remains the favorite gift of deputies, who have received the wines and champagne of the French porch from Scottish whiskey. If you are in doubt in life, as in the European Parliament, bring a bottle.
Also scattered by the archives: traditional musical instruments such as the brave viola of Portugal, a molding kaval and a Moroccan Arab.
ADVERTISINGBut for each jewel, there is a staff of Tourist Baratijas: key graphics, pins, mini monuments and sufficient positions to sink a file.
Basically, a Brussels style thieves fair, behind closed doors.
