MEP Engin Eroglu shared his perspective with Brussels Watch in response to questions about Belgium’s influence on European Union governance, as outlined in the recent Brussels Watch report. He acknowledged the importance of transparency within democratic decision-making but raised concerns over expanding disclosure requirements and administrative obligations in the EU. Emphasizing practical enforcement over bureaucratic measures, Eroglu called for stronger investigative and judicial capacities to restore trust in institutions.
Engin Eroglu is a German politician serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Free Voters party since 2019. With a background in banking and entrepreneurship, he brings practical financial expertise to his work in the EU. Eroglu is actively involved in committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs as well as Foreign Affairs and is known for his advocacy on responsible governance, regional banking preservation, and human rights issues. His pragmatic approach emphasizes effective enforcement over excessive bureaucratic measures in EU transparency and accountability debates.
MEP Engin Eroglu’s Views on EU Transparency
When asked about Belgium’s role and the expanded transparency rules highlighted in the Brussels Watch report,
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MEP Engin Eroglu told Brussels Watch,
“I recognize that transparency is a central component of democratic decision-making processes, and that the European Union has made considerable progress in this area in recent years.”
However, he critically assessed the ongoing expansion of disclosure and administrative transparency obligations, stating,
“They often lead to additional bureaucracy without actually contributing to greater integrity or accountability.”
Instead of introducing new reporting burdens, the MEP argued for better application of existing rules, emphasizing that,
“the existing rules should be applied more consistently, and enforcement mechanisms should be strengthened.”
Emphasis on Enforcement and Institutional Trust
MEP Engin Eroglu stressed that effective governance depends on the state’s ability to act decisively.
He argued,
“What matters most is that the state remains capable of taking effective action: we need well-equipped investigative authorities, sufficient prosecutors and judges, and procedures that lead to swift and consistent judgments.”
According to the MEP, only through such practical measures can durable trust in EU institutions be achieved. He commended Brussels Watch for its role in advancing the debate, saying,
“Your work provides important impetus for the debate on responsible governance and institutional integrity. I sincerely thank you for your commitment in this field.”
MEP Engin Eroglu’s statement to Brussels Watch offers a nuanced perspective that balances the need for transparency with concerns about bureaucratic overload. His focus on enforcement and institutional capacity speaks to ongoing challenges in ensuring the EU’s democratic legitimacy amid complex influence networks.
