The ITCO intergroup urgently calls on the EPP, S&D and ALDE groups to no longer block the vote on the transparency report, so the European Parliament can vote in favour of more transparency and integrity in the EU.
A majority of EPP, S&D and ALDE blocked this week’s vote on the report on Transparency, Accountability and Integrity in EU institutions, written by MEP Sven Giegold (Greens). The report includes proposals to create a legislative footprint, ban side jobs for MEPs and measures to prevent conflicts of interest when MEPs leave the EP.
Dennis de Jong, co-president of the ITCO Intergroup said: ‘The European Parliament will lose all its credibility when the report, including proposals to improve transparency and integrity of the institutions, will be voted down’.
ITCO strongly believes the EP should seize the opportunity offered by the report to increase transparency and integrity within the EU institutions. The vote should take place as soon as possible, so transparency can be institutionalised. The EP should live by example and maintain the highest standards in order to remain accountable and accessible for its citizens.
Elly Schlein, co-president of the ITCO Intergroup underlines: ‘This report is too important, it cannot be voted down. In these difficult times for the EU it is our responsibility as a Parliament to make sure the EU institutions serve the citizen’s interests and not somebody else’s. These houses should be made of glass.’