Ms Roberta Metsola

You explained that, in line with the framework applicable at the time of handling the complaints and the practice existing at the time, the Advisory Committee worked based on internal referrals by the President. [...] As the Parliament has recently reformed its ethics framework to reinforce the ethics and transparency duties of MEPs, I find that further inquiries into this case would not be justified as the Parliament’s actions pertain to the previous framework which has now been revised. [...] In this regard, I note the improvements in the Parliament’s framework, in particular, that citizens can now bring what are described as ‘signals’ to the Advisory Committee directly. [...] I have frequently stressed the importance of the reinforced Advisory Committee for the proper functioning of the Parliament’s Code of Conduct.1 I also note, however, that there is no guidance available to the public on how to direct such ‘signals’ to the Advisory Committee. [...] In the event of a request for information about the conduct and integrity of MEPs, the Parliament should rigorously assess the balance as between certain legitimate interests of MEPs and a public interest such as, for example, the need for citizens to be assured of the impartiality of EU decision- makers.2 I am confident that such an approach would allow for the right balance to be struck between.