Today in Brussels, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, PiS MEP Mariusz Kamiński took part in a debate on combating fraud and irregularities in the EU, criticizing the draft anti-corruption directive. As he emphasized, the document falls short of expectations in terms of combating dishonest practices and does not introduce groundbreaking changes in the wake of the Qatar scandal.
“Work on the directive lasted three years and was intended to be a response to the Qatar scandal, which shook European public opinion. Unfortunately, the draft we are debating will not be such a breakthrough. Instead of raising standards, it harmonizes them downward to the lowest common denominator,” Kamiński emphasized.
The MEP pointed out that the directive does not apply to EU institutions or their officials, which, as he noted, is the biggest omission in the current draft.
“The lack of an obligation for EU officials to submit public, verifiable financial disclosure statements is a serious problem. Such a regulation was necessary following the scandal involving Justice Commissioner Reynders, who was charged with money laundering,” Kamiński pointed out.
The MEP also reiterated the need for member states and the EU to fulfill their international obligations, including the UN convention, which requires the establishment of specialized bodies to combat corruption. He cited Poland’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau, which has been operating effectively for twenty years, as a model.
“To fight corruption in the 21st century, we need expert knowledge, independence, and modern investigative tools. Unfortunately, today the Bureau and its distinguished officers are being undermined by the Tusk government,” emphasized the former head of the CBA.
Mariusz Kamiński also criticized the directive’s departure from international obligations, including the obligation to prosecute legal entities committing corruption outside the EU’s borders—a provision that primarily affects large corporations that use corruption as a tool for conducting business in former colonies.
“The European Parliament must send a clear signal: we are determined to fight corruption, and we have the right tools to do so. Enough with empty declarations—it’s time for action. Stop corruption in the European Union!” Kamiński concluded his speech.
