Brussels, 18/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The new code of conduct for MEPs was endorsed by the constitutional affairs committee of the European Parliament on Thursday 17 November. The code sets out the rules and principles which MEPs will need to follow in their contacts with outside interests, so as to avoid any conflict of interest.
The code's guiding principle is transparency. MEPs will have to provide clear declarations of their paid activities outside Parliament and their remuneration, as well as of any other functions which might constitute a conflict of interest. The code also includes an explicit ban on receiving payments or other rewards in exchange for influencing parliamentary decisions. There are clear rules on the acceptance of gifts and on the position of former MEPs working as lobbyists.
Jerzy Buzek, EP President, has said: “The vote, with all MEPs in the committees voting in favour with only one abstention, shows the strong commitment by all members of the European Parliament to ensure full transparency in the performance of their duties. The vote is an excellent indication that the whole EP will approve it in December”.
The code of conduct will provide a strong shield against unethical behaviour. Carlo Casini (EPP, Italy) said MEPs gave a quick response to criticism considered unjustified. “Having compared the new code to all existing national ones in the EU, we can say that it guarantees the highest level of transparency”, he said.
Financial declaration. MEPs will be under an obligation to declare, both publicly and on line, any professional activity performed during the three years before election, as well as any membership of any company boards, NGOs and/or associations held during that period or at present. Any remunerated activity undertaken during the term of office, including writing, lecturing and providing expert advice even if occasional, will have to be made public if it earns more than €5,000 a year. Financial support of any nature and any financial interest that may cause a conflict of interest will also have to be disclosed. Any change to the declaration must be notified within 30 days and, in the event of failure, the member will no longer be eligible to hold offices with Parliament.
Gifts. Any gift or benefit valued at more than €150 received by an MEP during the performance of his or her duties must be refused or, if the MEP was officially representing Parliament, passed onto Parliament's president. Reimbursement of direct costs will not be deemed a gift, if the event is attended further to an official invitation.
Sanctions. Should the code be breached, and upon a decision by the president after having consulted the Advisory Committee, a member may be sanctioned with a reprimand, a forfeiture of the daily allowance from two to 10 days, temporary suspension from Parliament's activities (not including the right to vote) for a maximum of 10 days, or the loss of the role of rapporteur or other elected offices within the EP (for the latter two sanctions, a confirmatory decision by the president is needed). Any such sanctions will be published on Parliament's website.
Former MEPs. Former MEPs who start working as lobbyists in a field directly linked to EU affairs will not benefit from the facilities otherwise provided to former MEPs, during the time of such activity.
Advisory Committee. An advisory committee will provide guidance to MEPs and advise the president on what steps to take in the event of alleged breaches of the code.
The EP Bureau will soon finalise measures required for implementing the code. The plenary vote, by qualified majority, will be held during the mini-session in Brussels, on 1 December. The new provisions are expected to take effect on 1 January 2012. (LC/transl.jl)