Ombudsman asks nine questions on handling of Commissioners’ post-mandate jobs

European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, asked the European Commission in July 2017 to reply to nine questions about the role of its Ad Hoc Ethical Committee and how the Commission dealt with the post-mandate activities of Commissioners, including its President.

The nine questions were put by the Ombudsman in a letter to Commission President Juncker. The Ethical Committee advises the Commission on post term-of-office activities and has three members.

The Ombudsman welcomed Commission President Juncker’s proposal to strengthen the Commissioner’s Code of Conduct by extending the ‘cooling-off’ period for post-mandate jobs. However, she asked whether the Code was sufficient to guarantee the EU Treaty obligations on current and former Commissioners.

ESO: Background information: Non-binding resolution on the code of conduct for Commissioners, December 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/non-binding-resolution-on-the-code-of-conduct-for-commissioners/

European Commission: About the European Union: Principles and values: Ethics and integrity: Ethics and integrity for EU Commissioners https://ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-union/principles-and-values/ethics-and-integrity/ethics-and-integrity-eu-commissioners_en

EUObserver, 17.07.17: Ombudsman asks for more details on Barroso case https://euobserver.com/institutional/138552

---