Ref. Ares(2020)5015182 - 24/09/2020
Ethical framework for
Members of the European
Commission
SG.C.2 – Ethics, Good Administration and
Relations with the European Ombudsman
General principles
Obligations directly derived from the Treaties – further clarified
in the Code of Conduct for the Members of the European
Commission
• Members have to behave and perform their duties with complete
independence – they must not seek instructions from any
Government or other institution, body, office or entity.
• Integrity, dignity, loyalty and discretion.
• Members promote the general interest of the Union.
• Members have to observe the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Independence
1. Declaration of interests.
2. Obligation to notify potential conflicts of interest
during mandate.
3. No paid or unpaid activities during the mandate
(exceptions: honorary functions in foundations or similar bodies,
unpaid articles/ books/ courses/ speeches and conferences).
4. Rules on gifts (≤EUR 150), hospitality, no free
travel, awards.
Participation in politics
• Members can participate in politics as members
of political parties.
• But: no executive functions.
• Different rules for participation in national and
European politics (e.g. participation in
campaigns).
Transparency
• Only meet interest representatives whose
organisations are registered (‘EU Transparency
Register’).
• Publication of al meetings with interest
representatives.
• Publication of missions and mission expenses.
Collegiality, discretion, integrity
1. Loyalty towards the Commission and
Commission decisions
2. No disclosure of what is said in College meetings
3. Discretion with regard to internal information
4. Use of Commission resources for the
performance of the duties
Application of the Code
• The President ensures the proper application of
the Code.
• The President is assisted by the Commission’s
Independent Ethical Committee.
In case of doubt, Commissioners/Cabinets should
ask the President, her Cabinet or the Secretariat-
General (Secretary-General or Unit SG.C.2).
Useful links
My Intracomm
• https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/DG/Cabinet/h
uman-resources/Pages/Ethics.aspx
Europa
• https://ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-
commission/service-standards-and-
principles/ethics-and-good-
administration/commissioners-and-ethics_en
Document Outline