Attempts to interfere with democracy are a “widespread phenomenon that must be countered as vigorously as possible” warned MEPs in their recommendations on the reform of European Parliament’s rules on transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption.
Reiterating their “deep shock and condemnation of the allegations of corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation” by three MEPs, one former MEP and one parliamentary assistant in the so-called “Qatargate” scandal, they called for measures that would strengthen EU institutions when targeted by foreign interference attempts.
They pointed to the “numerous loopholes in Parliament’s integrity and transparency rules” and call for President Metsola’s 14-point proposal to reform Parliament’s rules to be put into concrete action as soon as possible.
Eva Kaili, Greek MEP at the centre of the Qatargate scandal
MEPs are demanding a rapid revision of the Members’ code of conduct, including effective sanctions.
The Code should protect whistleblowers more effectively and strengthen rules on conflicts of interest, asset declarations and disclosure of side income, as well as banning paid side work for entities covered by the Transparency Register.
Although the dialogue between interest group representatives and decision-makers remains a “vital part of European democracy”, inappropriate means of influencing, bribery and other criminal offences are unacceptable, they stress.
MEPs noted that countries such as “Qatar, Morocco, and also China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Serbia and Turkey have invested heavily in lobbying efforts in Brussels”.
“Foreign interference must not remain without consequences”, they underlined, calling for all legislative and non-legislative proposals on cooperation with state authorities attempting to interfere, including EU funding, to be suspended. Funds for civil society organisations and independent media as well as humanitarian assistance should be preserved.
The Transparency Register’s scope and monitoring should be expanded and all MEPs should declare scheduled meetings with interest representatives, including those with diplomatic representatives from non-EU countries.
