This report outlines a plan from the European Parliament aimed at boosting transparency, strengthening oversight, and preventing a recurrence of major scandals such as the Qatar gate episode that implicated Eva Kaili and shook the chamber. The focus centers on 14 concrete measures that Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, is expected to present at a presidents’ conference gathering leaders from nine political groups. The proposals seek to compel Members of the European Parliament to disclose all meetings, replace permanent passes for former MEPs with a more controlled system, and require lobbyists and organizations to attend hearings and other engagements to register. There is also a push to restrict friendship groups with third countries and to demand clearer disclosures in Members’ declarations of financial interests.
This draft, prepared for the meeting and reported by El Periódico de Catalunya from the Prensa Ibérica group, marks a starting point for broader reform. It emphasizes that recent events have underscored the need to rebuild trust with the European citizens the Parliament serves. Citizens expect accountability and integrity, the document notes, and it outlines 14 measures that could be implemented in the short term to modernize the Parliament’s transparency tools. A key first step would be to make revolving doors harder to operate, ensuring Qatar gate-style lobbying cannot easily occur within the institution.
The plan envisions a 12-month horizon, though Transparency International argues the period should align with the length of the transitional diet for MEPs, ranging from five to twenty-four months, plus a one-month annual salary window (gross 9,800 euros) for those serving as MEPs. It also considers an “integrity page” on the Parliament’s website and more rigorous sanctions, gift disclosures, travel not covered by the chamber, and clearer records of meetings. Registration in this registry would become mandatory for anyone seeking entry to hearings, with lobbyists, NGOs, and other interest groups subject to accreditation limits.
Report all meetings
A long-requested measure included in the document is the obligation to publish all meetings between Members of the European Parliament and third parties linked to Eurochamber, with public accessibility. Currently, this applies only to chairs of parliamentary committees, rapporteurs, and shadow rapporteurs for reports. The text argues that this duty should extend to all members, all accredited deputies, members of political groups, and all MEPs, ensuring full public visibility of encounters with external actors.
The plan also proposes banning friendship groups with third countries, which could blur lines with official activities. Direct interaction would be steered through the foreign affairs committee, existing delegations for relations with third countries, or other parliamentary committees. To strengthen entry controls, the proposal calls for a new entry log that records the date, time, and purpose of every visit to the Parliament headquarters.
Accreditation of Former Members of the European Parliament
Historically, former MEPs could retain permanent accreditation, inviting guests to the Parliament with little oversight. In the wake of the scandal, the idea is to replace permanent passes with daily access credentials and revoke the autonomy to invite third parties. After the transition, returning as lobbyists would require registration in the transparency registry and a new entry request each time access is needed. The plan also tightens obligations around financial interests to prevent conflicts and asks for more detailed disclosures of interests and parallel activities that many MEPs have. Transparency International advocates removing vague categories and setting precise, well-defined thresholds for disclosures.
The final elements aim to strengthen the code of conduct by making training compulsory for parliamentary assistants on whistleblowing and fiscal rules, encouraging anti-corruption collaboration, and reviewing the list of punishable activities. The document notes that the proposals represent a significant step forward and cites calls from various stakeholders who have long pushed for stronger enforcement. It also points out that current self-enforcement of rules has fallen short, a reality acknowledged by observers who emphasize the need for robust oversight.