European Commission registers citizens’ initiative on ethics and integrity in political parties

Brussels – European political parties that are beyond reproach in terms of conduct: EU citizens are calling for a doubt‑proof political‑party system through an initiative on ‘Ethics, Transparency and Integrity for European Political Parties,’ which the European Commission has endorsed. It has therefore been registered, and may even have a follow-up, if promoters and organisers manage to collect one million signatures within a year in at least seven EU Member States.​

​The EU executive did not address the initiative’s substance. Its registration, which may lead to a legislative proposal, was granted based on formal requirements, all of which were met and fulfilled. Brussels considers the request to reform the twelve‑star party system “legally admissible” under the European Citizens’ Initiative Regulation. Indeed, because it really is a reform. The European Commission is asked to “propose a legislative act amending and tightening up” the EU regulation on European political parties and political foundations and introduce “stricter requirements” regarding conflicts of interest, transparency, decision-making, unethical conduct, and funding.

Should the one million signatures needed to move the citizens’ initiative forward be found, the Commission will assess the matter on its merits. At the moment, the Commission makes clear that registration does not influence its final decision on the merits or any potential action it may take.

Launched in April 2012, the European Citizens’ Initiative allows civil society invite the Commission to propose laws in its areas where it has the power to act. There are three conditions for admissibility: the proposed action does not manifestly fall outside the framework of the Commission’s powers to submit a legal proposal, it is not manifestly abusive, frivolous, or vexatious, and it is not manifestly contrary to the values of the Union.​