Calling proposals to establish a common register for lobbyists for EU institutions "a small step towards more openness", GUE/NGL MEP Søren Søndergaard today told MEPs that tighter, mandatory rules were needed to ensure transparency.

"This report is a small step towards more openness and a mandatory register for all who attempt to influence EU policy, but there is still much work to be done. As recent corruption scandals have shown, Parliament needs to clean up its own act."

"It is unacceptable for MEPs to have a paid job on the side, which may call our integrity into question. We must also set out clear rules on what gifts MEPs can receive together with strict consequences if rules are broken. We must establish clear rules of protection for whistle-blowers to ensure the messenger is not punished."

While the proposal currently on the table makes registration voluntary, the GUE/NGL group is calling for it to be mandatory. The vote on merging the registers for lobbyists and interest groups of both Parliament and Commission will take place tomorrow (Wednesday).