MEP Mariusz Kamiński (ECR) has asked the European Commission to explain why it stopped measuring citizens' perception of corruption in EU institutions in its Eurobarometer surveys, and whether it plans to reintroduce that section. The question, submitted on 16 April 2026, comes amid a series of corruption scandals involving top EU officials, including a former Commissioner for Justice charged with money laundering. Kamiński argues that omitting EU institutions from the survey undermines transparency and accountability, especially as the EU claims to be bringing institutions closer to citizens.
The written parliamentary question (E-001574/2026) contains three concrete asks: the reasons for discontinuing the section, whether the Commission still conducts such research internally, and if it plans to reintroduce the section in future Eurobarometers. Kamiński cites earlier surveys from 2006 and 2012 that included data on perceived corruption in EU institutions, contrasting with the latest 2024 Eurobarometer which only covers national, regional and local levels.
The MEP advocates for greater transparency and accountability of EU institutions, pushing for more systematic monitoring of corruption perceptions at the European level. This aligns with a broader push by some MEPs to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms following recent scandals.
The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it is open to reinstating the section or considers the current scope sufficient, and may reveal internal research on the topic.