MEPs discuss on a revision of Parliament’s internal rules, prompted by the President’s 14-point reform plan addressing allegations of corruption.The draft changes were finalised by the Constitutional Affairs Committee on Thursday 7 September, based on the guidelines endorsed by Parliament’s political leadership earlier this year. They relate primarily to MEPs’ code of conduct and other relevant parts of Parliament’s rules of procedure, including new provisions for declarations of gifts, income, conflicts of interest, meetings, and input on parliamentary work. Opening statement by Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

fight against organised crime, corruption and money laundering (T)

BISCHOFF, Gabriele (S&D, DE)

Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure with a view to strengthening integrity, independence and accountability: opening statement by Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/72022641/1694095559986_I244573Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&amp;D, DE), Rapporteur, Thank you, President. Dear colleagues, we all know that transparency is key for democracy. It's the oxygen of democracy. If democracy is to work, to live and more and more citizens are clamouring for it.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, Here in my report, amending the Rules of Procedure, we put forward new rules, ways which will affect how we work. I really want to thank everyone who contributed, particularly the legal service. Everyone who helped us to come up with these amendments.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, At the beginning of the year, the President put forward a 14 point plan. She entrusted us with a mission to make changes which could then be implemented in the rules of procedure. We did that under great pressure. It was a major challenge for one and all.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, But, we now have a proposal on the table which put forward specific changes. There are, however, different levels of ambition as regards the implementation of the 14 point plan. We will ensure transparency when it comes to additional activities. A few more than €5,000 per year from that activity that applies across the board.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, We believe that if you're an MEP, that shouldn't be your side job. And so if you receive other allowances, other payments, then you have to disclose that in transparent fact fashion have to say how much you earn per year. We also strengthened the definition of conflict of interest.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&amp;D, DE), Rapporteur, We also introduce the fact that you must sign a statement if you become a rapporteur or if you take on a specific function such as Vice-Chair or Chair or Vice-Chair of a Committee. So, you have to sign this statement. This is a milestone. Because you have to prove you're acting in the public interest. That's really brought to the fore.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, Then, there will also be logging of meetings and that's clarified that were craisins there to I have to indicate that I met with so-and-so or not. We've clarified that. Then there are potential derogations. If listing that meeting, lodging that meeting, could endanger others, we also want stricter rules on the friendship groups, the so-called friendship groups.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, Here we've got clear rules. It should be clear that those friendship groups don't act on behalf of Parliament. It should be absolutely crystal clear how they're funded to. What else is at the core here? This is very important. We have an Advisory Committee that. Already exists, but we want to strengthen the powers of that Advisory Committee.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, It will look at whether there is a conflict of interest. Can I talk to you, so-and-so, and get advice from them? So, it will really be activated. If there's reason to do so. And then there's going to be further creation of a culture of trust thanks to this Advisory Committee.

SOUNDBITE (German), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, And you know that, these are ambitious changes, but they will bring about a real change in terms of transparency. Set about banning anything. That's what some are complaining. But no, it's about greater transparency and accountability. We don't want democracy in the darkness, too bring democracy functions in the broad sunlight. So, as I round this off, let's bring further light to the Parliament. Thank you very much.