On Wednesday 13 September, the European Parliament called for firm measures to be taken to prevent the emergence of corruption of the type engaged in by Azerbaijan, allegedly paying off European politicians and journalists (the Laundromat affair), that could undermine the credibility and legitimacy of Parliament action, notably in the area of human rights.
Through an amendment to the marathon report by Petras Auštrevičius (ALDE, Lithuania) on “Corruption and human rights in third countries”, a report adopted by 578 votes to 19, with 68 abstentions, MEPs roundly condemned the attempts by Azerbaijan and other autocratic third countries to influence European decision makers by illegal means and called for an in-depth investigation into the allegations of corruption in this affair and, more generally, into the influence exerted by these regimes.
In its report, Parliament calls for the development of an EU external anti-corruption policy, “essential to combat corruption and financial crime effectively”. MEPs say that the EU should include an anti-corruption clause in agreements with third countries.
“EU financial instruments should be based on anti-corruption norms, on conditionality focused, inter alia, on results and including clear milestones”, it adds.
Parliament also resolved to prepare regular updating reports on corruption and human rights during each legislative term. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)