Strasbourg, France, Dec 15, (dpa/GNA) – The European Parliament, voted on Thursday to suspend any work involving Qatar, after the chamber removed Eva Kaili from her position as vice president, following her arrest over corruption allegations.
A total of 541 EU lawmakers, backed the motion, while only two parliamentarians voted against the resolution.
“The European Parliament … suspends all work on legislative files relating to Qatar, particularly concerning visa liberalization, and planned visits, until suspicions have been confirmed or dismissed,” read a draft of the motion seen by dpa.
The draft text, also called for the setting up of an independent ethics body.
Additionally, more staff and money should be made available to better monitor and vet representatives, applying to or being part of the EU’s lobbying register, which should also be extended to representatives of countries outside the EU, the draft motion said.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, said on Thursday that she will spearhead reforms of the EU legislature herself.
“I am putting together a wide-ranging reform package to be ready in the new year,” Metsola said in Brussels. “I will lead this work personally,” she added.
She also announced a “complete and in-depth” look at how the parliament interacts with countries outside of the EU. Enforcement of the EU Parliament code of conduct policies is to be reviewed.
“There will be no impunity, there will be no sweeping under the carpet, and there will be no business as usual,” she said.
GNA