Ombudsman to examine Commission evaluation of Special Advisers

The European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, announced on the 30 May 2016 that she had opened a strategic inquiry into how the European Commission carried out conflict of interest assessments for its Special Advisers.

The aim of the inquiry, opened following individual complaints related to Special Advisers, was to ensure that rules were sufficiently robust in order to avoid inappropriate influence on policy-making.

The Commission had as of 2016 approximately 40 Special Advisers, chosen because they can provide particular expertise, as it is needed, directly to a Commissioner. This high-level access, coupled with the fact that many of the advisers have outside interests, heightens the importance of anticipating any possible conflict of interest.

ESO: Background information: EU watchdog to probe appointment of Juncker adviser http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-watchdog-to-probe-appointment-of-juncker-adviser/

EurActiv, 30.05.16: Watchdog opens inquiry into Commission advisers http://www.euractiv.com/section/future-eu/news/watchdog-opens-inquiry-into-commission-advisers/

BBC News, 30.05.16: EU Commission criticised over special adviser appointment http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36412098

EUObserver, 30.05.16: EU watchdog calls for fines on shady lobbyists https://euobserver.com/institutional/133608

Politico, 30.05.16: EU watchdog probes Commission’s use of external advisers http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-watchdog-launches-probe-of-commissions-external-advisers/

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