European Corruption: Russian Lobbyists Influencing EU Decision-Makers

Qatargate is a minor scandal when compared to other corruption cases. It is a drop in the ocean compared to the level of corruption in other parts of the world.

The European Parliament has taken a bold step to combat corruption and false narratives by banning Russian lobbyists from entering its premises. The decision, made public by President Roberta Metsola via her Twitter account, will affect all people working for Russia-based companies, if they are under EU sanctions or listed in the EU Transparency Register. The move is aimed at preventing the spread of propaganda and toxic narratives from the Russian government.

Ban is Also For Russian Government

The ban is not only directed at big Russian state-owned companies with ties to the Kremlin, but also to any individual who is associated with the Russian government. The controls will be carried out by EU Parliament security staff at the entrance and the badges of individuals affected by this decision will be deactivated.

The ban comes at a time when the European Parliament is facing increasing pressure to tackle European corruption and false narratives, especially with the recent scandals such as Eugate and Moroccogate. The scandals have shone a light on the need for a more transparent environment in the EU institutions, and the ban on Russian lobbyists is a step in the right direction.

The ban on Russian lobbyists is a positive step for the European Parliament, as it shows that the institution is committed to combating corruption and false narratives. It is important to note that the ban will not affect the voices of civil society groups, critical journalists, or human rights activists from Russia. These voices will still be heard in the European Parliament, as they are not associated with the Russian government.

More Transparent Environment in The EU Institutions

However, the ban on Russian lobbyists is only the first step towards creating a more transparent environment in the EU institutions. There is a need for an independent EU ethics body, which would investigate and prosecute corruption in the European Parliament. The body would help to increase transparency and accountability in the EU institutions, and it would provide a safe platform for whistleblowers to come forward and report corruption without fear of retaliation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ban on Russian lobbyists from entering the European Parliament premises is a bold step towards combating corruption and false narratives in the EU institutions. The ban will prevent the spread of propaganda and toxic narratives from the Russian government, and it will show that the European Parliament is committed to creating a more transparent environment. However, the ban is only the first step, and there is still a need for an independent EU ethics body to investigate and prosecute the European Parliament corruption scandal. The EU Transparency Register is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that the EU institutions are transparent and accountable.