MEPs acting as diplomatic agents for non-EU countries

15.12.2016

Question for written answer E-009496-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFDD)

As has emerged in the press, there are Members of the European Parliament who are also acting as diplomatic agents for non-EU countries, for instance in the form of being a consul or ambassador-at-large (on an unremunerated and honorary basis). Not all of them have been declaring this in their declaration of financial interests, nor have they made it clear when speaking or voting about the country they represent.

This practice raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest, for instance when it comes to negotiating international agreements and/or lending financial assistance to the third countries they represent.

How are the institutions verifying that MEPs who are also representing third countries are not sharing sensitive or confidential information with the country they are representing?