The president of the European Parliament has promised a wide-ranging reform package deal to be able within the new yr to take on corruption amongst MEPS, following the scandal over an alleged strive through Qatar to shop for affect.
Roberta Metsola stated the measures would come with reinforced coverage for whistleblowers, a ban on unofficial “friendship groups”, a evaluate of the MEPs’ code of habits, and an “in-depth look” at interactions with 3rd international locations.
She started a information briefing in Brussels through pronouncing that the scandal that broke ultimate weekend have been destructive for the EU, democracy, and “everything we stand for”. Work would get started now to proper the wrongs that have been performed, Metsola stated.
Four other people had been charged in reference to a Belgian anti-corruption investigation involving EU politicians, officers and a Gulf state, extensively reported to be Qatar. Doha denies misconduct.
They are accused of collaborating in a felony organisation, corruption and cash laundering. Prosecutors say the operation concerned “large sums of money” and “substantial gifts”.
A pre-trial listening to for Greek MEP Eva Kaili — stripped of her position as one of the vital European Parliament’s 14 vice-presidents — has been postponed till 22 December.
Metsola indicated that to a definite extent, the machine had labored. Rules can also be tightened and overhauled, she stated, however on this case, the corruption have been investigated, exposed and the alleged offenders stuck.
There have been complete and open cooperation between the parliament and the government, she stated.
The parliament’s president additionally promised a radical evaluate of the monetary pursuits of all MEPs. Among different issues, she additionally cited the specter of authoritarian states the usage of non-governmental organisations as a entrance to push their very own agendas in coping with Europe.
