European Parliament allows internal investigations led by EU’s fraud busters – POLITICO

European Parliament allows internal investigations led by EU’s fraud busters – POLITICO

The agreement makes it easier for EPPO to access the Parliament’s premises, to request to relinquish the immunity of lawmakers and staff, and to access documents related to investigations. The agreement, which was signed on Wednesday, comes weeks after EPPO revealed it is conducting an investigation into one of the Parliament’s political groups, the European People’s … Read more

Parliament won’t shoot down von der Leyen’s Commission picks  – POLITICO

Parliament won’t shoot down von der Leyen’s Commission picks  – POLITICO

The Socialists have signaled it is imperative to secure the safe passage of their clutch of commissioners, above all Spain’s pick, Teresa Ribera, who will be in charge of climate and competition policy.  That makes it less likely that they will pick a fight with the center-right EPP, which has claimed the lion’s share of … Read more

EPP’s flirtation with far right in Parliament sparks EU budget fiasco – POLITICO

EPP’s flirtation with far right in Parliament sparks EU budget fiasco – POLITICO

“My colleagues felt betrayed because the EPP did not respect the deal and they voted together with the Patriots [on] several amendments,” Negrescu said. “[That] is a problem because you see rapporteurs from EPP or shadow [rapporteurs] incapable of keeping the unity” of the group. After the EPP pulled its move, S&D, Renew and the … Read more

Ursula von der Leyen’s EU Commission sausage fest – POLITICO

Ursula von der Leyen’s EU Commission sausage fest – POLITICO

That’s compared to just five women (including von der Leyen herself) — or six if you include Spain’s expected pick Teresa Ribera, who is yet to be officially nominated. Two moves Thursday tipped the scales further, as Romania confirmed it would nominate Victor Negrescu, then Luxembourg put forward Christophe Hansen for the plum role. If Denmark and Italy … Read more