The radical right (EPP included) talks transparency… but votes against it

On the back of several scandals in and around the European Parliament, the Renew Europe Group was one of the instigators of a new Ethics Body, that could set and monitor standards for elected officials. Last term, after difficult negotiations, an interinstitutional agreement was signed to create the body. Today, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) voted on amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to implement the agreement… and the right of the Parliament voted it down.

‘The EPP’s bubble has burst,’ comments MEP Sandro Gozi (Mouvement Démocrate, France), ‘They have tried to weaken the Ethics Body and stall its implementation, but today’s vote shows they are against the very principle, and are willing to work with the radical right to kill it.

Make no mistake: to even try to avoid scandals like Qatargate and conflicts of interests more broadly, that gravely undermine people’s trust in the EU, we need clear standards and improved transparancy about politicians’ behaviour. In voting down this Ethics Body, the EPP sends an undeniable signal: our MEPs will do what they want.

We have promised to clean up the house, with President Metsola's personal commitment. The EPP’s stance is entirely at odds with that promise.’