Landmark Vote Follows Qatargate Scandal and Strengthens Accountability Measures
Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper).In a momentous decision today, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have endorsed a comprehensive set of measures aimed at bolstering integrity standards within the European Parliament. This significant move comes in the wake of the Qatargate scandal, which rocked the institution. The newly adopted measures encompass a range of critical aspects, including asset declarations, regulation of lobby meetings, conflict of interest safeguards, and addressing the revolving door phenomenon.
Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield MEP, serving as the Greens/EFA negotiator in the Constitutional Affairs Committee, expressed her views on this historic development:
“It is of utmost importance that we elevate the integrity standards within our esteemed Parliament. Today’s vote signifies a pivotal first step toward rectifying a system that has, for far too long, contained numerous blind spots. Thanks to our concerted efforts, we have successfully introduced mandatory asset declarations, requiring all MEPs to disclose their financial assets and liabilities both at the outset and conclusion of their mandates.
“The Greens/EFA Group has persistently advocated for more robust regulations to safeguard the integrity of this institution and to ensure that every decision made here is firmly rooted in the best interests of those we represent, rather than being influenced by external forces. Regrettably, the EPP and far-right factions have managed to secure the composition of the Advisory Committee, limiting it to MEPs self-policing, instead of involving external experts.
“However, today’s vote must not be seen as the conclusion of our quest to enhance integrity, accountability, and ethical standards in our institutions; it marks the beginning. There is still significant work ahead, particularly regarding whistleblowing mechanisms and enforcement, which includes imposing sanctions on those who violate these regulations. We must go the extra mile to ensure that the European Union institutions become the global benchmark for integrity and accountability. Anything less would deprive European citizens of the democratic standards they rightly deserve.”
