In the wake of the shocking Qatargate revelations, we, the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, are determined to root out corruption in the European Institutions. We take a zero tolerance stance against corruption and corruptive political interference. Following our decision on 20 December 2022 to launch an internal S&D Inquiry, the S&D now sets out proposals for reform to make the European Parliament corruption-proof. Our 15 concrete proposals aim to:
• ensure the current transparency and ethics rules are fully implemented, including the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament
• close loopholes by strengthening existing measures and introducing firm new rules and new bodies
• create a culture of genuine transparency and accountability in the European Parliament.
The proposed measures and methods build on the resolution from 15 December 2022 “Suspicions of corruption from Qatar”, include both, short term and mid-term measures and goes beyond other reform proposals currently on the table. By improving accountability, boosting transparency, increasing information to the public and tightening controls, we are determined to prevent future criminal acts, curb the damaging influence of lobbyists and stop corruptive political interference.
We are fully committed to undertaking serious and concrete reforms in the European Parliament and in the EU Institutions to regain citizens’ trust and protect European democracy. The S&D Group, while awaiting the decision of the EP as whole, will proceed with the implementation of the measures as far as they can be implemented unilaterally.
You can find the S&D 15-Point Plan to combat corruption and corruptive political interference here.
