A coalition of right-wing and independent Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has successfully gathered the 180 signatures needed to push for a vote on creating a new committee dedicated to investigating corruption and accountability within the European Union’s institutions.
Anders Vistisen, a Danish MEP, confirmed on May 7 that the required signatures were obtained to force a vote on the proposed Committee of Inquiry on Transparency and Accountability (TRAC). This new committee would investigate various corruption-related issues, including the influence of foreign entities on EU legislation, misuse of funds, and procurement irregularities. The investigation would also look into specific scandals like Qatargate, Timmermansgate, Reyndersgate, and Huaweigate.
The push for stronger oversight of EU institutions gained momentum after the European Commission (EC) suggested creating an EU Ethics body in 2021, though the proposal stalled due to political opposition. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had originally promised the creation of such a body in 2019, but it took 15 months of debate before seven EU institutions could reach an agreement on the new ethics body, which was officially announced in 2024. However, its implementation has faced significant resistance, especially from mainstream conservatives like the European People’s Party (EPP) and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), which have objected to its authority.
Daniel Freund, a German Green MEP and lead negotiator on the ethics body, criticized the TRAC proposal as a “political scam” and argued that it would provide a platform for the far right to attack civil society. Freund also emphasized the need to enforce the transparency rules already in place within Brussels instead of creating new committees.
The TRAC committee, primarily initiated by the Patriots group, has garnered support from its members as well as a few from the EPP, ECR, and other non-affiliated members. However, it has failed to attract support from left-wing groups, including the Greens, Renew, and the Socialists and Democrats (S&D). Vistisen expressed disappointment that these groups were not showing any interest in examining corruption within the EU, accusing them of disregarding the need for accountability.
The next step in the process is for the Plenary Unit to verify the signatures. If validated, the proposal will move to the Conference of Presidents for consideration. However, the vote is not expected to take place in the immediate future, as gaining a majority in the Conference will be challenging. If approved, the TRAC committee would operate with a 12-month mandate, consisting of 38 members representing all political groups. The committee would have the authority to summon witnesses, review confidential documents, and recommend legislative changes.
Vistisen stressed that while criminal investigations remain within the jurisdiction of national authorities, the TRAC committee would serve as an important tool for holding the EU institutions accountable and pushing for systemic reforms to address corruption within the EU.
