A corruption scandal involving Chinese tech giant Huawei reignited discussions earlier this year around gifts and donations received by EU lawmakers.
While MEPs often find themselves on the receiving end of such tokens of appreciation, the whole gifting affair remains a delicate matter in Brussels and Strasbourg
According to the European Parliament’s code of conduct, MEPs must steer clear of gifts worth more than €150.
If a gift crosses that line, it lands in the hands of Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who then acts as judge, jury, and occasional reluctant gift recipient.
All these treasures (and some definite oddities) are logged in a public register and tucked away safely behind a locked door in Brussels, accessible only when an MEP asks to visit the collection.
We took a peek behind the door of this cabinet of curiosities and were left scratching our heads.
A dagger from far beyond
Among the stranger entries: a traditional Indonesian dagger called ‘Keris Luk 7 Pandawa’ – and no, it’s not part of the EU plan to boost defence investments in Europe.
The dagger made quite a journey: gifted during a parliamentary mission to Indonesia, passed to the vice-chair of the development committee, who later handed it over to the chair in a committee meeting.
The ceremonial blade now quietly sits in Brussels, just in case.
A flag from farther beyond
The European Space Agency reached for the stars when it gifted Metsola an EU flag that had been to the International Space Station.
That’s right, among the pens and plaques no one really wants, there’s a piece of space history.
Eurovision wannabes
In what might be the most optimistic pitch of all time, Italian singer Stefano Picchi sent Metsola a CD – yes, in 2023 – with 11 songs and even a chord booklet, in case the Maltese president felt like jamming.
One track was a tribute to late President David Sassoli, which Picchi hoped could be performed at the Eurovision Song Contest that year. A slight snag: Picchi was never chosen to perform in Eurovision – despite being listed in the Parliament’s archives as a 2022 Eurovision song contest participant.
Among the songs, there was also one Picchi claimed to have written with Pope Francis by quoting from some of the pontiff’s speeches, a type of divine telepathic coproduction
Modern art
Representing the “modern art” category: a reproduction of a nude female figure from Cyprus, gifted by Annita Demetriou, the President of the Cypriot parliament.
ADVERTISEMENTIt’s modelled after an ancient idol housed in the Pierides Museum. Cultural, sure – but maybe not what you’d expect to unwrap at the office.
Radio days are so back
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib recently caused a stir by showing off a 72-hour emergency kit featuring, among other things, a portable radio.
Critics called her alarmist – until a blackout hit the Iberian Peninsula last week and everyone realised a little old-school tech isn’t such a bad idea after all.
Portable radios earlier made their way to Irish MEPs as gifts from Irish music rights organisations. So yes, vinyl might be trendy, but radios are still practical.
ADVERTISEMENTSports memorabilia
Roberta Metsola was also gifted a signed jersey from Spain’s national women’s football team – the year before they won the World Cup. Call it a lucky charm.
She also received a signed Dinamo Kyiv shirt, and the European Parliament’s own rugby team made the list with commemorative gear from their historic Parliamentary World Cup debut.
Booze, books, and bric-a-brac
Some things never go out of style. Alcohol is still a go-to gift, with MEPs receiving everything from Scotch whisky to Bordeaux wines and French champagne. When in doubt in life, as at the European Parliament, bring a bottle.
Also scattered throughout the archives: traditional musical instruments like the viola braguesa from Portugal, a Moldovan kaval, and a Moroccan Arabic lyra.
ADVERTISEMENTBut for every gem, there’s a handful of touristy trinkets: keychains, pins, mini-monuments, and enough paperweights to sink a filing cabinet.
Basically, a Brussels-style flea market behind locked doors.
