Greens accuse former Chancellor Nehammer of lack of transparency in EIB positions!

Greens accuse former Chancellor Nehammer of lack of transparency in EIB positions!

In a debate in the National Council today, the Greens sharply criticized the non-transparent appointment of former Chancellor Karl Nehammer to the board of directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB). Loud OTS Nehammer was nominated without an announcement or selection process, which for MP Nina Tomaselli was reminiscent of the “old red-black proportional representation” structures. As part of this criticism, the Greens have submitted a proposal for a comprehensive package of measures to increase transparency when filling positions.

The application includes, among other things, the creation of an online transparency register for top jobs, an expansion of whistleblower protection and an obligation to justify high-ranking appointments. A closure of the gap in the obligation to tender is also required. Unfortunately, the request to set a deadline for processing by May 12th did not find a majority in the National Council BVA reported.

Criticism from different parties

In addition to the Green criticism, Dagmar Belakowitsch from the FPÖ also commented negatively on Nehammer's appointment, which she described as a reward for his failure as Interior Minister and Chancellor. The FPÖ also called for a review of the nomination of Magnus Brunner as EU Commissioner, citing him as an example of “post-cheating”.

On the part of the ÖVP, Wolfgang Gerstl made it clear that the federal government had not concluded any secret “sideletters” and that the current position appointments were recorded transparently in the government program. Muna Duzdar from the SPÖ was surprised at the demands of the Greens, as they themselves had not initiated any transparency measures in the last five years. Markus Hofer from NEOS called for more honesty from the Greens regarding past agreements.

Background on transparency registers in the EU

In order to actually ensure the required transparency, European initiatives have already been considered. According to a draft from the European Parliament, several resolutions have recently been drawn up to improve transparency and integrity in the EU institutions. This includes, among other things, the creation of an independent ethics body that will strengthen existing ethical standards in the EU institutions. The report highlights that the independence and accountability of institutions are crucial for citizens' trust, as stated in the documents of the European Parliament held.

Such an ethics committee could also be responsible for the obligations arising from the existing transparency register. The current system has shortcomings and action is needed to improve the transparency of decisions in the EU. In Germany, for example, the transparency register is used to record beneficial owners and ensures that entries are made in accordance with the Money Laundering Act.

The current debate over appointments in Austria reflects a larger dilemma that shows the need to consider transparency as a cornerstone of democratic institutions. The Greens and other political actors face the challenge of not only making demands, but also following up with actions to bring about real change.