The European Parliament approved a reform on April 25 aimed at learning from the “Qatargate” scandal and restoring its tarnished image after the largest corruption scandal in its history. The reform includes the implementation of common ethical and transparency rules for all European institutions, such as declarations of interests, gifts, travel, revolving doors, and relations with lobbyists. The rules will be overseen by a new European ethics body consisting of five independent experts. The vote provides insight into French MEPs’ positions on ethical and transparency issues ahead of the end of the legislature and the European elections.
The left-wing, green, and Macronist MEPs supported the new rules, while the French right and far-right rejected them. Members of Les Républicains opposed the creation of the ethics body, citing concerns about Commission influence and criticizing the vague moral definition of ethics. Members of the Rassemblement National also voted against the new body, calling it unnecessary and unlikely to be independent. The differing views of French MEPs highlight the debate over the need for stronger ethical standards in European institutions.
While Les Républicains and Rassemblement National justify their opposition based on specific aspects of the reform, most of their members have been against the project from the start. In September 2021, the European Parliament passed a resolution reminding Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of her campaign promise to establish an independent ethics body. None of the French right-wing and far-right MEPs supported the resolution, except for Geoffroy Didier and Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé, who later clarified their views on the need for stronger ethics standards in EU institutions.
The pressure from the “Qatargate” scandal, rather than the earlier resolution, prompted Ursula von der Leyen to fulfill her promise. In June 2023, six months after the scandal, the European Commission presented a draft of the ethics body, which was criticized for not being ambitious enough. The reform aims to address issues such as revolving doors and conflicts of interest to improve transparency and accountability within European institutions. The debate over the reform reflects differing opinions on how to strengthen ethical standards and prevent corruption in the EU.
The establishment of the new ethics body marks a significant step towards improving accountability and transparency within the European Union. By setting common rules and oversight mechanisms, the reform aims to restore public trust in EU institutions and prevent future scandals. The differing positions of French MEPs highlight the challenges of balancing ethical considerations with political interests. Moving forward, the EU will need to continue monitoring and enforcing these new rules to ensure they are effectively implemented and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
Overall, the European Parliament’s approval of the ethics reform represents a positive step towards promoting integrity and accountability in EU institutions. By addressing past scandals and implementing new rules, the EU aims to strengthen its reputation and demonstrate its commitment to upholding ethical standards. The debate surrounding the reform underscores the importance of ethical considerations in policymaking and the need for consistent oversight to prevent corruption and maintain public trust in European institutions.
