Today, Members of the European Parliament gave their green light to a first step towards a reform of the Code of Conduct for Commissioners. The report calls on the Commission to thoroughly revise the Code of Conduct, which dates back to 2011, in order to verify the absence of a conflict of interest for Commissioners not only when they take up their duties but also during their term. Moreover, the transition period of former Commissioners should be extended from 18 months to three years. Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament stress the importance of today’s vote, since an increased transparency and accountability is essential in order to regain the trust of European citizens in the EU institutions.
LDE MEP Jean-Marie Cavada, Vice-Chair of the Legal Affairs committee in the European Parliament, commented today: “We have to make sure that people can trust the EU institutions and in particular public figures, such as Commissioners. It is simply unacceptable for Commissioners to hide personal or family members’ interests while taking specific decisions at EU executive level.”
“It is crucial to have an extended transition period for former Commissioners, to make sure they don’t take up positions which are in conflict with their former occupations. But furthermore, the European Parliament has to be able to scrutinise Commissioners when they change portfolio, as this would constitute a new situation in terms of any possible conflict of interests.”
“Recent scandals like the Panama Papers revelations have shown once more the need for substantial remedies. It is high time to react and to regain our citizen’s trust.”
