In the light of a corruption scandal involving members and staff of the European Parliament (EP), on Thursday at the plenary session in Strasbourg, the EP adopted two resolutions on the issue of transparency and correctness of work processes.
European parliamentarians demanded reforms in the organization of work and the rapid creation of an ethics body independent of the EU.
The MEPs identified a number of positions that require improved approaches, in particular, they put forward in the first place “a more effective implementation of the code of conduct, including financial sanctions in case of violations, (…) a ban on any paid activity that could lead to a conflict of interest with the mandate Member of the European Parliament”.
It is proposed to introduce pre-approval of trips of MPs paid by third countries and conduct additional checks on assistants to MPs and parliamentary staff working in important areas of politics, especially in the field of foreign affairs, security and defense.
At the beginning and at the end of each mandate, MEPs must submit declarations of their assets.
It provides for the obligation of EP deputies, as well as their employees and parliamentary staff, to announce working meetings with diplomats of third countries, except in cases where this may endanger the persons involved or threaten the public interest.
MEPs also called on the relevant committees and bodies of the European Parliament to revise the set of ethical rules before the summer.
Considering that non-governmental organizations cooperating with the EU were allegedly used “as vectors of foreign interference”, the European Parliament called for a review of existing rules to increase the transparency of the management in these organizations, the budget, foreign influence and persons who have significant control over them. It is proposed to pay special attention to the sources of funding for NGOs.
Parliament again demanded the creation of an independent ethics body for EU institutions “to restore the confidence of citizens.” The deputies expect that the corresponding proposal of the European Commission should be submitted by March, and the negotiations of legislators on the project should be completed by the summer holidays.
“This body should make a clear distinction between criminal acts, violations of institutional rules and unethical behavior. It will play a key role in protecting whistleblowers in EU institutions, complementing work with other European Union services such as the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), Ombudsman, European Court of Auditors,” the EP communiqué says.
In Belgium, an investigation is ongoing in connection with suspicions of corruption in the European Parliament of deputies and employees who had connections with representatives of Qatari interests. Among them is the Greek Eva Kaili, who was deprived of her powers as the Vice-President of the EP.
Journalists dubbed this case “katargate”, as its defendants, according to the investigation, promoted the interests of Qatar in exchange for money. In addition, a number of media reported that the suspects also had corrupt ties with representatives of Morocco.
source: interfax