Casa calls for tougher EU action on corruption

PN Head of Delegation in the European Parliament David Casa has called for the EU’s upcoming Anti-Corruption Strategy to ensure that Europe’s new anti-corruption rules are implemented and enforced with the same seriousness in every member state.

Speaking in the European Parliament, Casa thanked EPP MEP Javier Zarzalejos and the other negotiators who worked on Parliament’s resolution on the upcoming strategy.

Earlier this year, Casa led negotiations for the European People’s Party on major new EU anti-corruption legislation.

“Passing strong laws is not enough. They have to be implemented. They have to be enforced. And they have to apply everywhere,” Casa said.

Turning to Malta, Casa said the country had already seen the consequences of institutional failure.

“Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated while investigating corruption. Nine years later, key recommendations of the Public Inquiry remain unimplemented. The recent acquittal in the case concerning her assassination has again raised serious questions about accountability and impunity.”

Casa said the problem was not limited to Malta, pointing also to corruption scandals that have reached the highest levels of power in Spain and to serious concerns elsewhere in the Union.

“This is why Europe needs strong and consistent action. Where there is corruption and abuse of power, the rules must apply equally.”

“The new legislation has given us stronger tools. We now need to make sure they are used properly, everywhere.”

“Institutions are there to protect citizens, not corrupt politicians and those who are complicit with them. No one should be above the law,” Casa concluded.