The European Parliament (EP) this Thursday demanded the swift establishment of an independent European Union (EU) ethics body following the Qatargate corruption scandal in which MEPs are suspected of involvement.
The EP adopted two non-binding resolutions on the issue of transparency and integrity in EU decision-making.
In a resolution, MEPs called for more effective enforcement of their code of conduct, reiterated “zero tolerance for corruption” and called for greater scrutiny of funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
This text was approved by 401 votes in favour, three against and 133 abstentions.
In another resolution, MEPs defended the swift establishment of an independent EU ethics body, based on proposals submitted in September 2021, “to restore citizens’ confidence”.
“The European Commission’s proposal should be presented in March and negotiations should be completed by the summer,” said MEPs.
“This body should make a clear distinction between criminal actions, violations of institutional rules and unethical behaviour. The independent ethics body would play a key role in protecting whistleblowers within EU institutions, while working in a complementary way with other EU bodies. EU, such as the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the Ombudsman and the European Court of Auditors”pointed to a press release from the EP.
This resolution received 338 votes in favour, 72 against and 76 abstentions.
The scandal that came to be known as ‘Qatargate’ was denounced in December 2022 and primarily involved the then Vice-President of the EP, Socialist Eva Kaili, arrested in the act and charged from the moment of the revelations and arrests.
Former Italian Socialist MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, who is believed to be the leader of the corruption scheme, was also arrested, having meanwhile agreed to cooperate with the Belgian judicial investigation in exchange for a reduced sentence.
In December, Belgian police also arrested a fellow Greek politician, parliamentary adviser Francesco Giorgi, and lobbyist and NGO secretary Niccolò Figa-Talamanca.
On February 10, Italian MEP Andrea Cozzolino and Belgian Marc Tarabella were arrested.
The suspects are being investigated in the process sparked by alleged attempts by Qatar, and reportedly by Morocco, to influence decisions by the European institutions in their favor by paying bribes to MEPs and MEPs.
The investigation of the Belgian authorities allowed the seizure of suitcases with money totaling 1.5 million euros and at least four people were charged with the crimes of corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization.
Source: DN
