The European Commission wants to “fight for democracy” in Europe and protect it both from external dangers and from “the vices that corrupt it from within”, its President, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Wednesday 14 September. And a future package revising the EU anti-corruption framework will have to put these commitments to music.
Much awaited by the main political groups in the European Parliament and as the Commission is about to take a decision on the conditionality regulation of EU funds concerning Hungary, the President assured the MEPs of her will to reinforce “the independence of the judiciary [system] and the protection of our budget”.
As the Commission demands that candidate countries are beyond reproach in terms of the Rule of law or corruption, it must also demand the same of its own members. “We must also eradicate corruption at home” to be “credible”, said the President, who announced a legislative package “for the coming year”.
The package will aim to combat both foreign interference and the way in which certain powers try financially “to influence our political system” with “shady companies or foundations abusing public money”, she continued.
EU anti-corruption rules will be reviewed in the light of these threats, with the Commission planning to revise the definition of the offences of trading in influence, illicit enrichment and abuse of power, she explained. It will also broaden the definition of “bribery”.
Externally, corruption will also be introduced into the sanctions regime for human rights violations, she said.
These proposals were welcomed in the European Parliament, notably by the French MEP, Stéphane Séjourné, leader of the Renew Europe group. The Rule of law and European values “must be our compass”, he said. “Not one cent should go to Viktor Orbán”, whose government relays “Russian propaganda”. “We’re counting on you”, he told the president.
“The EU must take a stand against anti-democratic forces”, commented the German Co-President of the Greens/EFA group, Ska Keller . While welcoming Ursula von der Leyen’s “strong words” on the Rule of law, she said that “more decisive action” was needed and that the EU “ has the tools to deliver” on this commitment.
Link to the Commission’s State of the Union Letter of Intent: https://aeur.eu/f/32e (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)