Code of Conduct

The European Commission met today to discuss a new Code of Conduct but, despite indications from President Juncker that one was forthcoming, they have not presented a new proposal. Commenting, Greens/EFA transparency spokesperson Benedek Jávor said:

"Given the recent scandals, one would think the Commission would want to act quickly to assure citizens that they are taking ethics seriously. To many citizens, the revolving door between the EU Commission and big business looks far too cosy. If the Commission is serious about rebuilding trust in their integrity, it needs to urgently bring forward seriously toughened rules around incoming and outgoing Commissioners. New Commissioners’ previous roles in business should be more thoroughly checked, and the cooling off period for those on the way out should be extended to at least three years. 

"The recent scandals involving Oettinger, and the ineffectual response from the Commission, demonstrate a clear inability to properly address ethical failures. While we await progress to be made on the code of conduct, it must be matched by a commitment to rigorous implementation. Ultimately, there won't be trust until there is a clear process for policing and sanctioning against wrong-doing. The Commission’s Ethics Committee needs to be given real teeth, with the power to initiate inquiries on its own and on any matter relating to Commissioners' ethics. Where Commissioners fail to live up to the standards expected of them, they should face public sanctions, including fines."