DISINFO: European parliament is financed by US military companies
SUMMARY
Corruption in the European Parliament thrives. European MPs receive pensions from US military companies such as Raytheon, Honeywell International and Textron Inc.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets trying to defame Europe and its political institutions.
This is an unsubstantiated claim about receiving money from any US arms companies.
The Code of Conduct for Members with respect to financial interests and conflicts of interest sets out as its guiding principles that members shall act solely in the public interest and conduct their work with disinterest, integrity, openness, diligence, honesty, accountability and respect for the European Parliament's reputation. The Code of Conduct defines conflicts of interest and how members should address them, including the obligation for Members to submit a detailed declaration of their financial interests and to declare their attendance at events organised by third parties, as well as any gifts received in an official capacity. More details are available in the Rules of Procedure: Rule 11 - Members’ financial interests and Transparency Register.
Furthermore, following a corruption scandal at the European Parliament at the end of 2022, currently under investigation by the Belgian authorities, MEPs, i.a., are asking for more reforms, building on the ones announced by the Conference of Presidents, and demand an EU independent ethics body be set up swiftly. Read more about two recently adopted EP resolutions here.
Read more disinformation cases about corruption in the European Union.