Qatar was not the first country to use illegal methods to try to influence European policy – and it will not be the last.

Today, more and more decisions are being taken at European level that are of particular interest to third countries: regarding financial and investment policy, trade policy and visa policy.

We must therefore effectively counter attempts to exert illegal influence. I expect everyone to abide by Parliament’s rules. I demand that painful sanctions for offences be introduced and that we better equip the authorities in the areas of anti-corruption and criminal prosecution, so that they can investigate and prosecute offences more effectively.

You can find out more about my demands in my plenary speech: