12/02/2025
Members of the European Parliament are prohibited from engaging in paid lobbying activities directly linked to the EU decision-making process (Article 2(c) of the Code of Conduct). Yet, Stefan Köhler MEP earns €2,770 a month as regional chairman of the Bavarian Farmers’ Association, while at the same time working on agricultural legislation in the European Parliament.
Together with Transparency International EU, LobbyControl and Corporate Europe Observatory, we have written to the European Parliament’s Advisory Committee to formally request an investigation into MEP Stefan Köhler’s various roles and financial commitments.
Conflicts of Interest
In our letter we argued that given Mr Köhler’s remunerated position within the Bavarian Farmers’ Association – a body whose main purpose is to represent the political interests of the agricultural sector – he’s likely to be in breach of the MEP Code of Conduct.
We therefore urged the Advisory Committee to open an investigation in accordance with Article 10(5) of the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament, in order to assess potential conflicts of interest regarding Mr Köhler’s outside activities.
European citizens should not have to wonder whether their elected representatives are working for them or for outside interests. It is essential to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the European Parliament’s decision-making processes.
Read the full letter