Czech MEP’s undeclared think-tank role raises conflict-of-interest questions – POLITICO

BRUSSELS — Alexandr Vondra, a Czech member of the European Parliament, did not disclose his role as honorary chair of an influential think tank in the Czech Republic, despite negotiating files affecting the companies funding the organization.

Transparency International argues that Vondra's failure to disclose his relationship with the Prague Center of Transatlantic Relations may violate the European Parliament's code of conduct. The issue was first flagged to POLITICO by Aria, a climate investigations NGO. 

Vondra said in an email that his honorary role does not need to be declared, as his position is "strictly symbolic and has never constituted any legal relationship. Therefore, there was no reason to declare this symbolic role in my declaration of private interests.”