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Summary : This analysis explores examples of best practices from selected parliaments in the areas of transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption, and reflects on the effectiveness of the analysed approaches and their possible applicability for the European Parliament (EP). Findings confirm the need for the establishment of an independent European Union (EU) ethics body, granted investigative and enforcement powers with full transparency of enquiries, decisions and/or proposals as a pre-condition for its effectiveness and regaining citizens’ trust in the work of EU institutions. Stricter rules should be applied for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and EP staff regarding post-employment lobbying activities, along with more comprehensive and consistent disclosure of data on meetings with lobbyists, including foreign (third country) entities. In addition, mandatory training for all MEPs on integrity, transparency, accountability and anti-corruption standards should be introduced. Finally, more effective mechanisms of citizens and civil society engagement in the EP work should be introduced as a way of further strengthening the EP’s accountability and improving its responsiveness to citizens' concerns.

Authors : Igor VIDAČAK; Senada ŠELO ŠABIĆ

Summary : There is ample evidence that malign foreign actors are engaging in foreign interference in the politics and democracy of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. Much of this foreign interference escapes identification or censure by exploiting loopholes in the EU’s legislative and policy acquis. This in-depth analysis identifies some of those loopholes and proposes measures to close them. An EU focal point would significantly improve the EU’s capacity to investigate and respond strategically to foreign interference, its strategic drivers and related financial flows. Foreign interference should be restricted by criminalisation, sanctions and a ban on foreign involvement in third-party election campaigning. Legitimate foreign influence should be made more transparent by enhancements to the EU Transparency Register and stricter ‘revolving door’ requirements. To minimise online manipulative practices, political candidates and incumbents should formally pledge to avoid them, the public relations industry should be encouraged to scrutinise its ethical codes and a compendium could be prepared with a view to eventual restrictions. In all these activities, the EU should take care to ensure that its measures are compatible with fundamental rights and do not have the impact of shrinking civil space.

Authors : Kate JONES

Summary : The paper stresses the need for an EU focal point for investigating and responding strategically to foreign interference. The author assesses the possibility of using criminal law to address foreign interference, of utilising the international sanctions regime to deal with cases of interference, and of banning the use of foreign and foreign-funded, third party campaigning during elections. The author also considers measures to increase the transparency of foreign influence, notably by strengthening the EU’s Transparency Register, and addressing the ‘revolving door’ for former officeholders. Finally, the paper examines how to limit online manipulative practices. The European Parliament has a possible to role to play in this effort.

Authors : Kate Jones