After the so-called ‘Qatargate’ corruption conspiracy scandal that shook Turkey’s foundations European Parliament at the end of last year and one year after the incident, with an ongoing investigation european electionsThe European Commission took action to unify Ethical standards of European institutions. Brussels is on a new Thursday interagency body called to guarantee common, open and transparent ethical standards. eight European institutionsFrom the Community Executive to the European Parliament, the European Central Bank, the Court of Justice or the Committee of the Regions.
“Democracy can only succeed if citizens trust their institutions. Citizens in Europe do not discriminate whether a scandal is caused by this or that institution. If we are to maintain our credibility in their eyes, we must all be subject to common ethical standards in the fields”, vindicating the vice president for values and transparency of the Community Executive .Vera Jourova. The Commissioner thus added that Brussels has benefited from “very serious accusations” of “doing something good when things get ugly” in recent months and has called a meeting in Brussels on 3 July to discuss the content of the proposal. and try to close a deal as soon as possible.
common and expensive rules
The aim is to prevent the existence of “different and opaque standards” and to establish “common, clear, transparent and understandable” rules regarding their acceptance. gifts, accommodation and travel awards, insignia and titles offered by third parties. Also, in terms of transparency meetings with interest groups. Although both the Commission and the Council and Parliament have regulations in this area, the idea is to expand the transparency record and apply it to access to the buildings of institutions.
Offer that will impress some 1,500 public offices MEPs also propose to arrange the declaration of assets and interests, the establishment of categories and applicable control procedures between commissioners and other representatives. Brussels also seeks common rules on the parallel or external activities of public officials to ensure that the existence and independence of members is not at risk, and to establish conditions and transparency requirements for the subsequent activities of former members when they leave office. Finally, the plan includes a common enforcement framework and the publication of rules by each institution for potential harassment and sanctions.
Criticism of the model
The new board, which will not be able to open an investigation, will consist of a president accompanied by a representative from each institution.Elected for a term of 5 years, accompanied by five independent experts respectively elected for a term of three years, and supported by a secretariat. The European Commission considers the need to set the rules urgent and hopes they can reach an agreement within six months. Regarding the criticisms of the new system from the European Parliament, Jourova said: “There is no point in proposing something that will not come to light. We have to act quickly.”
“An institution that is not independent, has no investigative powers, and cannot penalize breaches of ethical rules. After years of dragging its feet, the commission presented a completely disappointing proposal, devoid of authority and inspiration. “, the German ecologist MEP complained daniel freund about the offer. “The ‘Qatargate’ scandal shows that self-regulation of politicians and civil servants is not working. This proposal reinforces the idea that institutions should self-regulate, which will not be enough to restore confidence in the EU. More accountability and integrity in the EU,” he added. “The proposed ethics body strengthens the EU’s self-monitoring approach to abuse,” he agrees. Nicholas AiosaFrom Transparency International, which thinks that an ethical body like the one proposed by Brussels would not be incapable of preventing the “Catargate mess”.