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Increasing transparency of the EU Institutions will strengthen their accountability, will make European citizens more committed to them, and help to close the gap that exists with our constituents. Since I joined the Parliament, I included this requirement in the organisation of my daily activities and requested my staff to implement what today has become a rule for everyone. The new rules will provide more transparency when it comes to finding out which lobbyists MEPs are in touch with and encourage them to publish online all scheduled meetings with special interest representatives as defined by the transparency register. The EPP was not united on the new transparency provisions. They requested to hold a secret ballot to hide those members who voted against such rules. Happily, their tactics failed and those who were for more transparency won. The new rules also require the adoption of a gender action plan aimed at incorporating a gender perspective in all Parliament’s activities, at all levels and stages. Amazingly, the EPP Maltese Members voted against this provision, following a divided EPP Group. I supported this provision because transparency enhances equality, and the European Parliament should lead on gender balance. Therefore, I voted in favour of the Resolution.
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