Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 16 April 2019 - Strasbourg

Protection of persons reporting on breaches of Union law (A8-0398/2018 - Virginie Rozière)

  Andrejs Mamikins (S&D). – Mr President, breaches of Union law are one of the elements that anti-Europeanists use to fuel people’s frustration with the institutions. Numerous right-wing politicians have tried to capitalise on the fact that Union law is not perfectly designed, but no law is exempt from weaknesses. We must give our citizens major freedom and protection while reporting such weaknesses.

If we want people in the EU to be more engaged and participative in European politics, we must give them the instruments. So it’s us, the partisans of a strong and integrated Europe, who must take the lead in this fight.

Maladministration can manifest itself in multiple forums, starting from word—based relations, in the management of EU funds. In every possible case the reporting person must be covered by guarantees. That is why, colleagues, I voted in favour.