Request for the waiver of the immunity of Matteo Ricci

The European Parliament decided to waive the immunity of Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT).

On 8 June 2026, the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Pesaro requested the waiver in connection with ongoing criminal proceedings concerning alleged offences committed between 30 May 2019 and 18 June 2024, when Ricci was mayor of Pesaro. The proceedings concern Ricci and 26 other individuals and relate to alleged corruption, embezzlement and other alleged offences involving public officials, persons exercising public authority and entrepreneurs.

The waiver was sought to enable the seizure, review and possible use of correspondence, including online conversations, emails and related documents, between Ricci and an alleged collaborator, found on Ricci’s telephone.

Matteo Ricci was elected to the European Parliament in the June 2024 European elections and was, therefore, not a Member of the European Parliament at the time of the alleged offences.

The alleged offences do not constitute, and the subsequent request for the waiver of the immunity of Matteo Ricci is not related to, an opinion expressed or a vote cast by him in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union. Furthermore, Parliament found no evidence to suggest that the intention underlying the legal proceedings in question is to undermine Matteo Ricci’s political activity as a Member of the European Parliament.

Therefore, Parliament decided to waive his immunity.