Update of the Study on "The Code of Conduct for Commissioners - Improving Effectiveness and Efficiency"

Study 15-09-2014

This update relates to a European Parliament study on the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Commission (2009). The update compares the 2004 Code of Conduct with the new Code adopted in 2011. The new Code has failed to address most of the European Parliament’s 28 recommendations for improvement. Overall, the Code is characterised by its poor checks and balances, the absence of a coherent implementation system, and opacity surrounding its operation. Whilst other ethics systems contribute to enhance public trust in government, the Commission’s system appears tilted towards the Commissioners’ political and career interests. The update recommends a comprehensive review of the Commissioners’ ethics system with a focus on coherent implementation systems with genuine checks and balances. The Commission should establish a working group on this, involving the European Parliament and relevant civil society actors, and inviting experts knowledgeable about other ethics systems.