Ombudsman opens investigation on Commission’s handling of Barroso’s compliance with Treaty obligations

The European Ombudsman opened in February 2017 an investigation on the European Commission's handling of the case around former president José Manuel Barroso's taking an advisory position with Goldman Sachs.

The Ombdusman sent a request to the Commission to reply to a letter from EU staff concerning Mr Barroso's position with the bank and explain whether it had taken a stance on the appointment.

An Ad Hoc Ethics Committee had determined in October 2016 that Mr Barroso had not breach EU ethics laws because he waited the required 18 months between leaving office and taking the advisory position.

EUObserver, 28.02.17: Barroso bank job to face fresh EU scrutiny https://euobserver.com/institutional/137052

EurActiv, 28.02.17: EU watchdog opens probe into Barrosogate http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/eu-watchdog-opens-probe-into-barrosogate/

Politico, 28.02.17: Watchdog to investigate handling of Barroso’s Goldman move http://www.politico.eu/article/watchdog-to-investigate-handling-jose-manuel-barroso-goldman-sachs-move/

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