{"id":119855,"date":"2023-10-31T10:41:35","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T10:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogcamlodipine.com\/?p=119855"},"modified":"2023-10-31T10:41:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T10:41:35","slug":"eu-corruption-warning-as-macron-ally-says-bloc-must-restore-confidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogcamlodipine.com\/world-news\/eu-corruption-warning-as-macron-ally-says-bloc-must-restore-confidence\/","title":{"rendered":"EU corruption warning as Macron ally says bloc \u2018must restore confidence\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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France has told Brussels it is time to get serious about tackling corruption – with a close ally of the French President saying it was time to \u201crestore the confidence of citizens\u201d in the bloc\u2019s institutions after a string of scandals.<\/p>\n

Laurence Boone, France\u2019s EU Affairs Minister, is calling on other members of the EU27 to get behind a proposal to create an independent watchdog with the power to check the incomes of officials.<\/p>\n

The European Union was rocked by a series of arrests last year, notably former European Parliament vice-president, Greece\u2019s Eva Kaili.<\/p>\n

The MEP was one of several arrested by Belgian Federal Police in December as part of an investigation into organised crime, corruption and money laundering linked to lobbying efforts in support of Qatar – dubbed Qatargate. Ms Kaili is currently under house arrest.<\/p>\n

Ms Boone, who argues his plan would be more effective than the ethics body currently being pitched by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, told Politico: \u201cThe Commission\u2019s proposal is a start, but I think we can and must be much more ambitious.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Fury as Germany tries to block UK fighter jet deal ‘costing 6,000 jobs'[INSIGHT] <\/strong><\/p>\n

Von der Leyen left in awkward silence as EU diplomats fail to clap<\/h3>\n

\u201cAfter the shock caused by several corruption scandals we need to restore citizens\u2019 confidence in their institutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need an independent authority, with real means of control to prevent new scandals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier this year it was revealed several European commissioners went on sponsored trips, with one official accepting free flights from Qatar Airways at a time when his team was discussing an aviation deal with the Middle Eastern nation.<\/p>\n

Another was accused of failing to disclose ownership of a luxury hotel in Bali.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The situation has prompted suggestions of double standards, given the Commission has asked Ukraine to make declaration of assets compulsory to ensure Kyiv officials are not making money on the side.<\/p>\n

Speaking earlier this month, Ms von der Leyen\u2019s predecessor, Jean-Claude Juncker, railed against the idea of Ukraine joining the EU, saying: \u201cAnyone who has had anything to do with Ukraine knows that this is a country that is corrupt at all levels of society.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite its efforts, it is not ready for accession. It needs massive internal reform processes.\u201d<\/p>\n