Conflicts of interest Promoting stricter rules to ensure balanced decision-making for the good of people and planet

MEP ethics code: an end to secrecy about paid travel and hospitality?

19 April 2013

Transparency about the free trips and hospitality MEPs receive could be a step closer if new ethics proposals are properly enforced.

A group of MEPs looking at the European Parliament's code of conduct has proposed ways to improve its implementation. The document, which has been made available online [1] today by Transparency International-EU, includes provisions and guidelines for the monitoring of gifts and invitations to events organised and financed by third parties which MEPs receive. The proposal will come into force as of July 1, 2013.

6 March 2013

MEP ethics code – one year on implementation remains a problem

A little bit more than one year after the introduction of a new ethics code for Members of the European Parliament, the parliament's first report about how it is functioning has been published.

31 January 2013

European poll shows considerable concern about EU ethics

A majority of people across Europe are concerned about ethics and lobbying in European Union policy-making, and want better regulation of lobbyists, as well as increased transparency of the EU, according to a new opinion poll. [1]

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A conflict of interest exists when an official has a personal interest that could improperly influence the performance of their duties. This happens all too often in the European institutions with many European officials moving to and from industry or lobby jobs.

This revolving door enables corporate groups to have powerful influence, whilst the public interest is sidelined. Friends of the Earth Europe campaigns for strict rules to prevent conflicts of interest and promote balanced decision-making for the good of people and planet.

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Reports & publications

19 Jul 2012

Transparency in the European Parliament

1 Aug 2011

Canada's dirty lobby diary - Undermining the EU Fuel Quality Directive

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