EU parliament favors further reforms after corruption scandal New strikes and protests against pension reform in France

In response to the corruption scandal in the European Parliament, MEPs want stricter rules to be introduced in the fight against bribery. The reforms so far are only a necessary first step, according to a resolution passed by a large majority in Strasbourg on Thursday. The parliamentarians advocate, among other things, a ban on paid activities that could cause a conflict of interest. Trips paid for by third countries must therefore be approved in advance. In addition, MPs must submit asset declarations at the beginning and end of their term of office. A first reform package has already been approved.

The background to this is the bribery scandal that became public in December, in which it is suspected that the governments of Qatar and Morocco influence decisions in the EU parliament. The prosecution has charged the suspects with corruption, money laundering and membership of a criminal organization. Former parliamentary vice president Eva Kaili, suspected mastermind Antonio Panzeri and other suspects have been detained since December.

MEPs also called for stricter transparency rules for non-governmental organisations, also because two such organizations could be involved in the scandal. According to the EU Commission, Panzeri’s organization “Fight Impunity” has not received EU money, but the second suspected organization “No Peace without Justice” has. According to the Commission, since 2006 it has received nearly EUR 5 million for seven completed projects. EUR 2.7 million has been earmarked for two ongoing projects, of which EUR 1.37 million has not yet been paid due to ongoing research.

In a second resolution, MEPs also called for more speed in setting up an independent ethics committee for the EU institutions. “The EU’s ethics committee must have teeth,” demanded Green MEP Daniel Freund. “Self-regulation should be replaced, not supplemented by an advisory body.” According to Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova, a European Commission proposal for such a body will be presented in March. (sda/dpa)