With no end to Syrian repression in sight, the EP calls for a united effort for a negotiated solution. Parliament group leaders approve a new MEP Code of Conduct.

The News: Arab summer - Guiding principles

The new MEP Code of Conduct  takes shape

after three MEPs accused of profiting  from their positions resigned.

There will be more transparency,  and sanctions where necessary.

Also in this programme,  the EP points its finger at Syria.

MEPs ask for a humanitarian gateway  to be created to help Syrian refugees.

And, the rest of today's news  in brief and in pictures.

The EP should soon have a Code  of Conduct to reinforce MEP integrity.

Sunday Times journalists  passed off as lobbyists,

successfully corrupting MEPs  on three occasions.

The MEPs concerned resigned  and a working group was set up.

Political groups' Presidents  have just endorsed its findings.

We went a little further in terms of clarity,  transparency... It's a good thing.

as seen by the unanimous support  in both the working group and here.

The Code will control  conflicts of interest more closely.

Personal interest cannot be put  before that of the public.

The main issue is a clear definition  of conflict of interest,

the obligation on all MEPs to declare  any interests that they have

and a secure system  of investigation for fact finding.

Also important are the sanctions  when the Code is not adhered to.

If Members of Parliament sell their  influence to companies or to lobbyists,

we can say you are no longer allowed  this post in Parliament, for example,

and we will also have  financial sanctions.

But the idea of imposing  a legislative footprint was rejected.

In short, MEPs will not be obliged  to reveal the people or lobby groups

participating in the drafting  of legal texts.

Before entering into force,  the Code must pass in committee

and be voted on by MEPs  in the plenary.

Arab revolutions are far from over,  especially in Syria

where the regime's repression  is brutal.

MEPs say Europe must still leave  the door open for a negotiated solution

even if for many, the Syrian President  crossed the line long ago.

The resolution is very significant  as it supports sanctions,

criticises the regime and calls  for no impunity at UN level

with regard to crimes committed,  but it does not go as far as calling

for what's in everyone's mind:  Bashar al-Assad's departure.

It doesn't want  to impede political negotiation.

Europe has too often favoured  its neighbours’ stability over democracy.

The EP wants the States to adopt a new  strategy and to speak with a single voice.

It is difficult when they prioritise  national interests.

to condemn the repression and human  rights violations in the Arab world.

But what do you intend to do  to make the EU response

to these kinds of crises  more united, strong and audible?

A high-ranking diplomat should go to  Damascus, the Syrian capital, soon.

Many say it should be the EU diplomacy  chief herself who makes the trip.

The day after Danish border controls  were reinstated, the EP steps in.

It asked States to strictly respect  the current rules

Several EU States want border controls  reintroduced in cases of migrant influx.

European election reform will wait.  In the end, MEPs postponed their vote.

The Liberal Andrew Duff's report  proposed the creation

of transnational lists  for European elections.

A minute's silence  for London bombing victims.

MEPs honoured the 56 dead  and some 700 wounded

in the terrorist attacks  of 7th July 2005.

Next Tuesday, MEPs will take stock  of the EU's anti-terrorist policies,