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“Strict new rules for MEPs,” headlines De Standaard, on the growing corruption scandal at the European Parliament. In the wake of a Sunday Times “sting” operation, in which MEPs agreed to amend European laws in exchange for payments from undercover reporters posing as lobbyists, the EP is to table a series of guidelines for MEPs. “When approached by lobbyists, MEPs from now on must carry out a thorough ID check on prospective clients,” the Brussels daily reveals, adding that each MEP will have access to “biometric and retinal scan devices like those used in airports in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in order to filter out fraudulent ID.” Outlining the new rules on 31 March, EP spokesman Martin Bulak said, “It’s essential that if an MEP accepts payments in order to amend EU laws and directives, then he must first ascertain that this is in fact a bona fide interest group, and not undercover journalists."
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