Photo by Ibrahim Boran on Unsplash MEPs say they are “appalled” by the allegations of corruption in the European Parliament. Four people have been arrested in connection with the alleged corruption which, reportedly, involves an MEP and parliamentary aides. The international fallout from the investigation is starting to spiral and further allegations are emerging concerning the activities of…
Photo by fikry anshor on Unsplash The European Parliament has just voted for a series of measures aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption, following the revelations in the ‘Qatargate’ scandal. The measures include: A cooling off period for MEPs to prevent revolving doors; to prohibit financial ties with lobbyists; stricter rules on ‘friendship groups’; improved whistleblower protection; strengthen…
Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash The Left Group says it has secured some firm commitments and measures on corruption, transparency and accountability from the European Parliament for strong and concrete measures. The resolution followed recent revelations in the ongoing Qatargate scandal. Highlights include: Left Co-President Manon Aubry said, “Since 2019, I have been fighting tirelessly to denounce the “dangerous liaisons” between…
Russia has an extensive network of agents in the EU, which can be used for comprehensive destabilisation and Putin is rapidly scaling up threats to Europe, reports the International Foundation for Better Governance. The coup attempt in Germany, which took place on 7th December, is a classic example of the hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation. Among the…
Photo by Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash French bank Société Générale had perhaps hoped to have heard the last of its Russian adventures when it closed its sale of its Russian business Rosbank to the Interros group, a firm linked to Russian oligarch Vladimir Potantin. The sale resulted in Société Générale taking a 3.2 billion Euro hit, according to…
Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize was awarded to the Brave People of Ukraine, in a ceremony today, 14 December. They were represented by their President, elected leaders and civil society at the ceremony in Strasbourg. Russia’s unprovoked genocidal invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022 and is inflicting enormous costs on the Ukrainian people, who are…
The European Commission has published their proposal on the Equal recognition of parenthood. The proposal has been long awaited and is aimed at ensuring the right of every child to each of their parents MEPs have said they welcome the proposal of the Commission which aims at prioritising the best interest of the child and safeguarding…
Speaking after the opening of the Hong Kong trial of Jimmy Lai under the so-called National Security Law of China, Reinhard Bütikofer MEP has condemned what he calls the “criminalisation” of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. Lai is a Hong Kong entrepreneur and activist. He founded Giordano, an Asian clothing retailer, Next Digital, a Hong…
Member states have adopted a decision on the non-acceptance of Russian travel documents issued in Ukraine and Georgia. Vít Rakušan, Minister of the Interior of the Czech Republic, said, “Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine is a blatant disregard of the rules-based international order, which puts European peace and security at risk. Today’s decision…
A Green MEP has reacted angrily to news that she has been “targeted” by the Iranian regime Hannah Neumann is Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights. Following the Iranian regime’s announcement to add her to its list of the sanctioned individuals, she issued a statement….
