Roland Blomeyer presented at the Committee of Budgetary Control of the European Parliament the update of the study on the Code of Conduct of Commissioners
On the 23th of September 2014, Roland Blomeyer presented at the Committee of Budgetary Control of the European Parliament the update of the study on “The Code of Conduct for Commissioners – improving effectiveness and efficiency” (originally conducted in 2008/2009). The update compares the 2004 Code of Conduct with the new Code adopted in 2011. Roland Blomeyer, together with Michelle Cini from the University of Bristol, presented the findings, main explanations and recommendations to further improve governance (with a specific focus on ethics) within the European Commission. Quoting from the report: ‘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.’.
The presentation was followed by a lively debate with MEPs and representatives from the European Commission.
You can download here the study as well as the complete presentation in Brussels