Roberta Metsola excluded from obligatory declaration of conflict of interest

Politico reported that despite Roberta Metsola’s push to boost the European Parliament’s transparency, the president herself was not required to disclose that her husband, Ukko Metsola, is a top lobbyist for the cruise industry

By: maltatoday.com

Sep 04 2024
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Roberta Metsola excluded from

The code of ethics created following the European Parliament’s Qatargate scandal does not apply to the institution’s president, Roberta Metsola.

On Wednesday, Politico reported that despite Metsola’s push to boost the European Parliament’s transparency following the 2022 scandal which showed how easily influence can be bought, the president herself was not required to disclose her marriage to Ukko Metsola.

The code of ethics was drawn up by the European Parliament's Committee for Constitutional Affairs.

Ukko Metsola is a top lobbyist for Royal Caribbean Group’s vice-president for government relations for Europe and Asia-Pacific. The company is the second largest cruise company in the world. Ukko’s business is one of the most harmful forms of travel for the environment, with business practices that have put the climate and public health of coastal communities and marine ecosystems at risk.

Politico reports that the Metsolas’ relationship was kept under the radar even while Ukko lobbied to influence climate-related legislation. Nonetheless, Ukko had been an EU registered lobbyist for Royal Caribbean since 2016, well before Metsola became president.

While the couple were not found to be actively covering up their relationship, the report notes that the lack of official disclosure is worrying and shelters them from public scrutiny.

A spokesperson for Metsola denied any conflict of interest, stating, “Being married to someone in employment does not constitute a potential conflict of interest according to the Parliament’s rules.”

The spokesperson further stated that the code of ethics applies to MEPs with positions that are linked to a specific portfolio.

According to Politico, the Metsolas’ relationship was unknown to a number of MEPs and EU officials despite Ukko having been a registered lobbyist.

Ukko was quoted by Politico saying that the couple do not mix business with personal life, adding that since his wife’s appointment to EP president, Royal Caribbean engaged another person to lobby the parliament.