EP LEADERS AGREE TO DEVELOP NEW RULES FOR LOBBYISTS AND A STRONGER CODE FOR MEPs

The European Parliament's political leadership has decided to overhaul the rules governing the access and behaviour of lobbyists. Although at this time we do not know precisely what the 'new rules' will be, it is likely that when applying for a long term badge, lobbyists will need to provide all the information required for full registration. This means the system will become mandatory. The code of conduct for MEPs will be also be strengthened. Changes will also be made to the Rules of Procedures to enact these new rules. The following is being considered: The declaration of interest system will be regularly updated and will include internal sanctions for non-compliance. Some kind of legislative footprint will be required for every legislative report and the name of the lobbyist will need to be disclosed MEPs would have access to an independent drafting service that can assist them, a service between the committee secretariats abd group advisors. A number of elder MEPs could act as some kind of 'ethics committee' or mentors.