In order to restore confidence in the European Parliament, the President proposed several measures to increase transparency and further prevent attempts to influence MEPs. These were approved by the Conference of Presidents.
This desire for reform responds to revelations in the press of a vast investigation into alleged corruption of MEPs by third countries (Qatar and Morocco are cited). Four people are in preventive detention in this case, including the former vice-president of the European Parliament Eva Kaili. Belgian Socialist MEP Marc Tarabella also lost his parliamentary immunity as part of this investigation.
“I promised quick and decisive action in response to the loss of confidence. These reforms that we agreed today are a new start to strengthen integrity, independence and accountability in the European Parliament,” said President Metsola in the evening.
“These reforms are the first steps to rebuild trust in European decision-making, and I hope they will demonstrate that politics is a force for good,” the statement continued.
There is talk of stricter rules for former MEPs who wish to lobby the European Parliament, in particular with a “cooling off” period after losing their mandate.
Former MEPs and their staff will also lose their permanent access cards to the buildings, and will only be able to benefit from daily badges. Former elected officials will have to submit more detailed declarations of financial interests, including their jobs and parallel activities.
“Friendship groups” with third countries will be prohibited when official parliamentary interlocutors have already been appointed.
Also, all the events organized within the European Parliament with representatives of interests will have to appear in the register of transparency.
The work to put in place these reforms must be started immediately so that they can be applied as soon as possible, further assures the president in the declaration.
Other long-term measures to better fight corruption within it are also being considered by the European Parliament, in this process initiated by the Conference of Presidents in January.