The modifications to the Rules of Procedure for Parliament were approved in a plenary session today, receiving 505 votes in favor, 93 against, and 52 abstentions.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have instituted a stricter prohibition on all activities that could be classified as lobbying, mandated that MEPs provide declarations of input regarding ideas or suggestions from external sources to be attached to all reports and opinions, and implemented more severe penalties for violations of the code of conduct. Additional revisions include:
– Expanded regulations on the disclosure of meetings, which now apply to all MEPs—not solely those in official roles—and encompass meetings with representatives from third countries.
– Enhanced regulations regarding ‘revolving doors’, which include a prohibition on MEPs from interacting with former MEPs who have departed from Parliament within the last six months, complementing a similar ban for those former MEPs for the same duration.
– A broadened definition of conflicts of interest, improved guidelines for relevant public declarations, and decision-making authority granted to appropriate bodies regarding the eligibility of MEPs with conflicts of interest for specific roles.
– Reduced thresholds for declaring paid activities.
– Mandatory declarations of assets at both the beginning and conclusion of each term.
– Stricter regulations concerning the acceptance of gifts and the reporting of travel and subsistence expenses sponsored by third parties, applicable to MEPs in both their personal and Parliament representative capacities.
– An enhanced role for the Advisory Committee, which will now include eight MEPs, an increase from the previous five.
– Specific regulations governing the activities of unofficial MEP groupings.
The updates to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure were enacted concurrently with measures taken by Parliament’s Bureau regarding aspects of the 14-point plan that could already be enforced.
Next Steps
These amendments will take effect on November 1, 2023, except in cases where the changes allow the Bureau and the Quaestors to implement measures immediately. Declarations of interests submitted before these revisions will remain in effect until the end of the year.
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