MEPs will vote on Thursday 15 December on the motion for a resolution on the European Commission’s statement on Qatar’s suspected corruption and the wider need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions. The resolution comes as a scandal involving alleged corruption by Qatar of several members, former members and staff of the European Parliament has rocked the Parliament since Friday 9 December (see EUROPE 13083/2).
Several measures are called for by the Parliament, starting with the creation of a special committee to identify “potential loopholes in the regulatory framework” of the European Parliament regarding transparency, integrity and corruption. Proposals will have to be made, the document says, drawing on the work done in the Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee ('AFCO') and other national parliaments.
The motion for a resolution also confirms the setting up of a committee of inquiry. This commission, which would be set up “following criminal investigations and possible legal proceedings”, should serve to shed light on cases of “corruption and improper actions by third countries seeking to gain influence in the European Parliament”.
As Parliament on Tuesday, 13 December, (see EUROPE 13083/1) terminated the mandate of former European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili (S&D, Greek), the resolution calls for the appointment of a Vice-President responsible for integrity and the fight against corruption.
The Parliament also intends to instruct the European Commission to present a proposal to set up the EU ethics body. The Parliament had already adopted a resolution to this effect on 16 September 2021 (see EUROPE 12792/9).
Suspension of Qatar-related legislative files
The resolution also calls for the immediate suspension of the access badges of Qatari interest representatives until the judicial investigations provide relevant information and clarification.
In addition, “all work on legislative files relating to Qatar, including visa liberalisation, and planned visits” should be suspended “until suspicions are confirmed or ruled out”.
In this respect, the chair of the Transport Committee, Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, French), has already made it known that she has asked the members of her committee to “ensure that this requirement for transparency is respected in all past legislative work and in the bilateral agreements in progress” with Qatar.
“The ongoing ratification process of the air agreement with Qatar (see EUROPE 12814/30) is no exception. It is imperative that we ensure that all the conditions for transparency are met when the procedure is opened in the European Parliament”, she added.
In addition, the resolution calls for the strengthening of the EU transparency register to thoroughly verify the information provided by applicants and registrants. Its scope would be extended to third country representatives.
The resolution also calls for the European Parliament Quaestors to implement the existing rules, to develop and maintain an accessible and up-to-date register of friendship groups and declarations and to strengthen the cooperation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European Anti-Fraud Office.
Eva Kaili and Francesco Giorgi kept in detention
The investigation continues. On Wednesday 14 December, the Belgian justice system decided to keep in detention for a month the companion of Eva Kaili and parliamentary assistant of Andrea Cozzolino (S&D, Italian), Francesco Giorgi. The Greek MEP also remains in detention after her court appearance was postponed to 22 December, also on Wednesday. Interrogated on Friday 9 December in Brussels, Ms Kaili claimed her innocence through one of her lawyers, assuring that she was unaware of the existence of the bags of banknotes found at her home.
Margarítis Schinás explains his recent trip to Qatar
The Vice-President of the European Commission, Margarítis Schinás, who was not involved in the affair, also explained his recent trip to Qatar, which was criticised in the press.
“I went to the football World Cup, it was the first post-pandemic world event, I couldn't not be there; in all transparency, I defended our European model. Every word I said is 100% compatible with the European Commission’s policy”, he detailed. “I received a football, a box of chocolates and some small gadgets, below the threshold”, he added.
See the resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/4ob (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)