MEPs slam European Commission over ‘missed opportunity’ to tackle corruption
Six months after the so-called “Qatargate” scandal that rocked the European Parliament, prompting an ongoing investigation in Belgium into allegations that Qatar and Morocco were involved in a cash-for-influence campaign within the chamber, the European Commission on Thursday presented its proposals for an “Ethics Body” to tighten anti-corruption measures. But it has been slammed by many MEPs of all political shades, and also NGOs, as toothless and a missed opportunity, given it has no powers of investigation nor those to sanction wrongdoers. Ludovic Lamant reports.
SixSix months after the eruption of the “Qatargate” scandal over alleged bribery of European Parliament members by Qatar and Morocco, the European Commission on Thursday and after several delays finally presented its proposed “Ethics Body” aimed at tightening anti-corruption measures within the bloc’s institutions.
