The European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, welcomes the College of Commissioners’ decision to strengthen the ethics and transparency rules governing Commissioners’ activities, while in office and after they leave.

The measures, which include a much more detailed Code of Conduct for Commissioners and publishing the Independent Ethical Committee’s opinions on Commissioners’ post-mandate jobs, have previously been called for by the Ombudsman.

Ms O’Reilly said: “EU politicians and public officials must be held to the highest transparency and ethical standards. It is important that the public sees that the checks and balances the Commission has in place are working.”

“Extending the cooling-off period during which former Commissioners and Commission Presidents must inform the Commission of their intention to take up a new post and tightening the rules on the declaration of interests should positively contribute to this impression.” Read more