The leaders of the European Parliament’s political groups have adopted the reforms after a recently exposed corruption scandal, the body’s president, Roberta Metzola, said Wednesday.

Ms Metsola explained that in order to “restore citizens’ confidence” in the EU institution, she proposed measures to increase transparency and make it harder to influence MEPs.

He took the initiative following the removal of former European Parliament vice-president Evas Kylie after her arrest and three other people who were charged with corruption, money laundering and links to organized crime.

“I promised swift and decisive action in response to the loss of confidence. The reforms agreed today are a new beginning to strengthen the integrity, independence and accountability of the European Parliament,” said Ms Metsola.

He talked about “the first steps to restore confidence in the European decision-making process” and expressed the hope that they will show that “politics is a force for good.”

Measures agreed

The agreed-upon measures include tightening rules on former MEPs seeking to influence MEPs after they have served their terms. Permanent entry permits will no longer be issued to former MEPs, while much more detailed declarations of interest will be required from MEPs.

Procedures will begin immediately to implement these reforms as soon as possible, according to a press release from the President of the European Parliament, while other long-term anti-corruption measures are also “under consideration”.

Source: APE-MPE, DPA.