Les allégations de corruption, même limitées à un petit nombre de députés, cela ternit l’image d’une assemblée. Soucieux de sa réputation, le Parlement européen s’est doté d’un "code de conduite" qui protègera, dès le 1er janvier 2012, les parlementaires de tout conflit d’intérêts.
"Alter-EU will be watching how well the new rules are implemented and advocating for new improvements in the run-up to the review that is planned before the next parliamentary elections."
On 1 December, an overwhelming majority of MEPs (619 in favour, two against and six abstentions) endorsed a code of conduct for deputies, thereby seeking to modify the EP's rules of procedure and fight conflicts of interest. Its proper implementation will be key to its success.
The Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Regulation (ALTER-EU)
The code will increase transparency and introduce rules to avoid conflicts of interest. ALTER-EU regrets, however, the lack of measures to stop MEPs moving into lobbying jobs without a cooling-off period, and the weakening of proposed rules regarding gifts that would allow MEPs to accept paid trips to luxury destinations from interest groups.