The European Parliament has adopted a report calling for measures to protect democratic institutions and the integrity of the European Parliament (EP) against foreign
interference. The report highlights the need for transparency, integrity, accountability, and anti-corruption measures to counter attempts to undermine democracy. MEPs express their concern over lobbying activities by countries such as Qatar, Morocco, China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Brussels.
The report emphasizes the importance of addressing loopholes in the EP's integrity and transparency rules. It supports President Roberta Metsola's 14-point proposal to reform the Parliament's rules and urges their swift implementation. The recommendations include protecting whistleblowers, clarifying rules on conflicts of interest, and introducing effective sanctions for violations of the Members' code of conduct.
MEPs stress that dialogue between interest groups and decision-makers is essential to European democracy but condemn inappropriate means of influencing, bribery, and other criminal activities. They call for consequences for foreign interference and propose suspending legislative and non-legislative cooperation with state authorities attempting to interfere, including EU funding. However, funds for civil society organizations, independent media, and humanitarian assistance should be safeguarded.
The report also recommends expanding the scope and monitoring of the Transparency Register and calls for MEPs to declare scheduled meetings with interest representatives, including diplomatic representatives from non-EU countries. It suggests tighter control over former MEPs' activities, including monitoring compliance with the cooling-off period and revoking access to the Parliament for those lobbying on behalf of high-risk countries.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomes the adopted reform proposals, which aim to strengthen the EP's defenses against external interference. MEP Vladimír Bilčík highlights the need for security clearance for staff handling sensitive issues and increased public openness about meetings with third parties. Co-rapporteur Nathalie Loiseau emphasizes that the recommendations demonstrate the Parliament's determination to enhance transparency, fight corruption, and combat foreign interference.
The report follows the mandate of the EP's Special Committee on foreign interference, transparency, and accountability and complements other measures taken by EP bodies to address these issues.