The European Parliament was shocked by the "pigeon-release" incident: the issue of foreign interference sparked heated discussions =_=========================
With the European Parliament elections approaching, a much-watched parliament is being held in Strasbourg, France. According to the Dutch media NOS, the meeting attracted the participation of more than 700 current MEPs, however, there was a surprising scene in the meeting - the "pigeon release" incidentThis incident not only raised questions about the authority of the European Parliament, but also sparked a wide discussion about foreign interference.
I. Background ------
The European Parliament, as the legislative body of the European Union, plays a pivotal role. However, the "pigeon release" incident at the meeting has led to a scrutiny of its authority and integrity. It is reported that the incident involved a member of the European Parliament of the radical right-wing German party "Alternative for Africa" (AfD), whose assistant was arrested on suspicion of foreign influence. The incident not only prevented the congressman from attending the meeting, but also sparked widespread discussion about foreign interference.
II. The Issue of Foreign Interference Sparks Heated Discussions -------------
As the European Parliament elections approach, the issue of foreign interference is gaining tractionRecently, the influence of Qatar and Russia on the European Parliament has been exposed one after anotherAt the end of last year, news that MEPs had accepted funds from Qatar sparked controversy about foreign interferenceIn response to this, the European Parliament has tightened its internal rules. However, at the beginning of this year, Russia was exposed to the issue of paying members of the European ParliamentThe Czech intelligence service has dismantled a Russian disinformation website called "Voice of Europe", and several MEPs have been caught in the vortex of public opinion for being interviewed by the website and receiving remuneration.
3. The European Parliament's response
Faced with the threat of foreign involvement, the European Parliament has taken a series of countermeasuresFirst, the European Parliament can impose penalties on its members. If MEPs do not properly declare additional income, a committee in the European Union will investigate the allegations in the event of an alleged violation of the rules of conduct. According to the results of the investigation, the speaker of the parliament may impose a penalty. However, Bar_t Groothuis, a European MP from the FDP, said that the penalties that could be imposed were not severe enough. "It is impossible to deprive them of the right to vote or to be elected. He believes that more measures should be taken, especially in terms of criminal measures.
Secondly, the European Parliament is considering the creation of a new ethics regulator to improve cooperation between European institutions in the field of rules of conduct. However, the effectiveness of the agency was questioned before it was established. According to the proposal, the body itself is not in a position to develop new codes of ethics for European institutions and to investigate possible violations. Lara Wolters, MEP from the Dutch Labour Party, said: "I want the regulatory institutions we have now established to be stronger, so that more people in them have more power and power." ”
Fourth, we call for strengthening international cooperation
Faced with the serious challenge of foreign interference, the European Parliament has called for greater international cooperation to jointly address this dilemma. In a letter, Belgian Prime Minister De Croo asked other member states to consider giving the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) more powers to better respond to foreign interferenceIn addition, governments should strengthen communication and cooperation to jointly combat foreign interference and ensure the independence and authority of the European Parliament.
V. Conclusion
The European Parliament, as the legislative body of the European Union, plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe. However, the threat of foreign interference presents this institution with unprecedented challenges. The European Parliament is tackling this dilemma by strengthening international cooperation, improving internal rules and establishing a new ethics regulator. We expect the European Parliament to continue to play its key role in the European integration process and to contribute to European peace and prosperity in the future.