Filenews 18 February 2023 - by Adamos Adamou
The European Parliament is also calling for fines for its members who violate the Code of Conduct, in an effort to tighten the framework for actions against corruption, in response to the recent scandal of alleged corruption and bribery by third countries, in particular Qatar and Morocco. A scandal that prevailed to be called Qatargate and which since December, when it was revealed, has cast shadows on the whole House, which is now running to take decisions to further consolidate transparency.
In this context, on Thursday the European Parliament adopted two resolutions and a series of recommendations for more reforms.
As stated in a communication from the European Parliament, it will show zero tolerance for corruption in any form and at any level and by insisting that Parliament must show unquestionable unity and unwavering determination.
In this context, they call for better implementation of the Code of Conduct, including financial penalties in the event of infringements, the extension of the list of sanctioning actions and the prohibition of paid activities, which could create a conflict of interest with the role of MEP.
With regard to the imposition of sanctions, we note that there are currently no financial sanctions, i.e. fines. Sanctions today, in case of violation of the code of conduct, are mainly limited to... a reprimand by the President of this House or a loss of the right to a subsistence allowance for a period of between two and ten days!
The European Parliament also called for an authorisation procedure to be introduced for travel paid for from third countries and for additional checks to be carried out for MEPs' assistants and EP staff working in sensitive areas. It also calls for the following to improve the existing framework:
Declarations of MEPs' assets at the beginning and end of each term.
Adequate resources for the EU Transparency Register and an obligation for MEPs, their staff and Parliament officials to report working meetings with third-country diplomats;
The EP's internal rules should be aligned with the Whistleblower Directive.
Funding of NGOs
Moreover, in a resolution of the European Parliament, adopted by 401 votes in favour, 3 against and 133 abstentions, this House, noting that NGOs appear to have been used as tools of influence by third countries, calls for a revision of the existing rules to enhance the transparency of their administration, their budget, foreign influence and the powerful persons involved in them. It also underlines that NGOs that receive money from bodies or individuals that are not required to register with the Transparency Register (e.g. third countries) must declare this revenue and request that funding from the EU budget be stopped if they do not provide the relevant information.
It also calls for a thorough financial data check to be carried out before an NGO registers, the publication of all contracts between NGOs and the Commission, and a clear definition of which NGOs can register and receive European funding. In this context, however, it condemns the use of the scandal to carry out a misguided smear campaign against NGOs. It reiterates its unwavering support for civil society organisations defending human rights and the environment, in full respect of the rules.
In a second resolution, adopted by 388 votes to 72, with 76 abstentions, Parliament reiterates its call for an independent ethical body for the EU institutions.
Ethics body
For the promoted independent ethics body for the EU institutions, the Commission's proposal must be presented by March and the negotiations concluded in the summer. This body should act on the basis of a clear distinction between criminal acts, violations of institutional norms and immoral behaviour. It will play a key role in protecting whistleblowers within the EU institutions, while cooperating in complementarity with other EU institutions.
