Reaction of the Presidium of CESI to Qatargate

“In the wake of the recent alleged corruption scandal at the heart of the European Union, the Presidium of CESI asks for a better regulation of lobbying and for clear rules that will ensure independence of individuals and organisations.

The so-called ‘Qatar-gate’ should be a wake-up call for all actors involved in EU politics and interest representation.

With full respect to the presumption of innocence and without prejudice to how the scandal will unfold in the coming months, the Presidium of CESI:

• recognises the efforts of the Belgian authorities to enforce the law impartially irrespective of the suspects’ high profile and calls upon Member States to invest in well-functioning control authorities, as well as in their judicial systems, and support their staff to properly carry out their duty and combat corruption;
• calls upon the European Union to establish tighter rules on lobbying and enhance the bodies monitoring transparency of EU politicians and civil servants. CESI supports the creation of an independent oversight body, a so-called EU ethics body, that covers all EU Institutions, and proposes an enhanced role for the European Ombudsman which will give its recommendations binding force. Furthermore, CESI believes that the EU Transparency Register must become a legally binding requirement for anyone wishing to meet with EU decision-makers, including representatives of third countries;
• expresses nevertheless its trust in the Institutions of the European Union and, particularly, the European Parliament, which remains one of the most transparent parliaments in the world;
• highlights the importance of political and financial independence both in terms of politics and trade unionism, particularly in periods when trust levels of citizens and workers are at their lowest. Since its creation in 1990, CESI has been the voice of trade union independence and pluralism in Europe, considering these values as core components of freedom and democracy. Through its work and dedication, CESI has proved that independent unionism can be both effective and rewarding.

CESI and its members are ready to cooperate with the EU and other key stakeholders to create an improved political and legal framework that will guarantee transparency and fairness.”

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