European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is facing scrutiny over failing to declare that her husband, Ukko Metsola is a lobbyist for the Royal Caribbean Group.

Roberta Metsola previously pushed a code of ethics which, among other measures, required Parliament’s senior members to declare conflicts of interest. This includes any involving their “family, emotional life or economic interest, or any other direct or indirect private interest.

Efforts to increase transparency were prompted by the cash-for-influence Qatargate scandal. 

However, on Wednesday (today), Politico highlighted that the new rules do not apply to President Metsola, and she indeed made no declarations about her spouse's role as a lobbyist with the Group, known as the world's second-largest cruise ship company, and described by Politico as a "major corporate polluter".

An EU lobbyist typically represents the interests of an NGO, company, or other organisation in EU institutions, aiming to influence both executive and legislative authorities.

Dr Metsola is not being accused of a cover-up, with her husband's role registered in the public domain.

Defending Dr Metsola's position, Jüri Laas, a spokesperson for President Metsola, highlighted that she did not have any requirements to disclose Ukko’s role, despite the fact that it has raised eyebrows.

“Being married to someone in employment does not constitute a potential conflict of interest according to the Parliament’s rules,” he told Politico.

In addition, he remarked that the ethics rules apply to the chamber’s 14 Vice Presidents, five Quaestors – meaning the MEPs responsible for administrative and financial matters, and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of Parliamentary committees.

In this regard, the spokesperson continued, the new rules were aimed at positions “linked to a specific portfolio or file” and therefore present “an increased risk of potential conflicts of interest.”

He further noted that President Metsola represents the interest of the European Parliament “as an institution.”

Speaking to Politico directly, Ukko noted that the couple was aware that steps are needed to be taken to address the issue. Nonetheless, he clarified that since her appointment as President, Ukko had stopped directly lobbying MEPs “to prevent the perception of impropriety.”

Additionally, he stated that the Royal Carribbean has now hired an extra person to engage with the Parliament.

“I would like to think that we have managed it extremely well,” he said.