In recent months, a set of wide-ranging reforms has been adopted to strengthen the integrity, independence and accountability of MEPs, while protecting their free mandate.

The aim of these measures is to strengthen the integrity and close the gaps in the protection of the institution and its Members against attempts to interfere in the work of Parliament.

Roberta Metsol, President of the European Parliament, said, "The reforms we have introduced in recent months strengthen the integrity of Parliament's systems, increase transparency in decision-making and strengthen Parliament as a whole. We want to strengthen the trust of European citizens and reaffirm that the European Parliament is an open institution. Next year, we will return with a more modern and effective Parliament."

Troubleshooting

The measures follow up on the resolutions of the plenary sessions of the prosince 2022 a února 2023which call for increased transparency and accountability, as well as a stronger security culture in the face of attempts at foreign interference.

The Bureau approved the revised rules concerning former Members of the European Parliament (New "revolving door" policy), new rules for participation in Parliament events and transparency obligations regarding the attendance of representatives of interest groups at events on Parliament's premises. It also approved a revision of the internal rules on whistleblowing.

Parliament has also strengthened its cooperation with national judicial and law enforcement authorities by responding quickly to requests from national authorities, including requests for waivers of parliamentary immunity.

The group leaders separately clarified the rules for urgent debates on human rights in plenary to protect the procedure from undue interference. The Conference of Presidents also approved guidelines to support Members and staff of the European Parliament in their relations with representatives of third countries (diplomats and state representatives). Parliament finally got an answer to its call for an ambitious and independent EU ethics bodyas the Commission has presented a proposal for an interinstitutional agreement. President Metsol has taken the lead in negotiating an outcome that reflects Parliament's ambitions.

At the same time, amendments to Parliament's Rules of Procedure were adopted by MPs in September 2023. These include: a stricter ban on all activities by Members that would constitute lobbying; greater transparency on ideas, proposals and suggestions from outside bodies; tougher sanctions for breaches of the Code of Conduct; a wider range of mandatory declarations by Members on meetings with third parties; clearer rules to help prevent conflicts of interest; and greater transparency on Members' financial declarations, including declarations of assets at the beginning and end of each term.

In addition, stricter rules are introduced on the acceptance of gifts and the reporting of travel and subsistence expenses to third parties, as well as a ban on the engagement of former MEPs for a period of six months after their departure from the EP. The role of the Advisory Committee on the Code of Conduct will also be strengthened.

(europarl.europa.eu/USA)