A new code of conduct for European Commissioners will come into effect on the 1st of February. It will apply to all the current members of the Juncker Commission.
The code changes the “absence period” for Commissioners from 18 months to two years and to three years for the President. During this period, former Commissioners must tell their previous employer what new positions they want to take up. There are also restrictions on lobbying the Commission.
The actions and gestures of former Commissioners will also be followed by a new independent Ethics committee. For the first time, this code describes exactly what a “conflict of interests” is and says Commissioners should avoid a perceived conflict of interests. They also have to mention all investments of more than 10,000 euros and their work travel costs will be published every two months.
The Brussels Times
