New Code of Conduct strengthening ethical rules for Members of the European Commission enters into force

Today, the European Commission formally adopted the new Code of Conduct for Members of the European Commission that President Juncker had announced in his State of the Union Address. Following consultation of the European Parliament, the new Code takes effect as of today, continuing President Juncker’s push for greater transparency since the beginning of his mandate.

The modernised rules set new standards for ethical rules in Europe. Beyond the President’s earlier proposal to extend the “cooling-off” period from currently 18 months to two years for former Commissioners and to three years for the President of the Commission, the new Code of Conduct sets clearer rules and higher ethical standards and introduces greater transparency in a number of areas. It also creates an Independent Ethical Committee with reinforced status – replacing the current Ad hoc Ethical Committee – to strengthen scrutiny and to provide advice on ethical standards.

The new Code of Conduct for Members of the Commission features, in particular, the following improvements:

– Post-office activities: The new Code of Conduct extends the “cooling-off” period from currently 18 months to two years for former Commissioners and to three years for the President of the Commission. During the cooling-off period, former Members of the Commission need to inform the Commission before taking up a new job and will also be subject to restrictions in certain activities, such as lobbying members or staff of the Commission.

– Preventing conflicts of interest: The new Code of Conduct defines, for the first time, what a “conflict of interest” is and sets as a principle not only that Commissioners avoid situations of conflict of interest, but also situations that might be seen this way. In case former Commissioners intend to work in areas which are related to their former portfolios, the Independent Ethical Committee needs to be consulted first. As of now, both the Commission’s decisions and the Committee’s opinions related to such decisions will be made public.

– Financial interests: Stricter rules will also apply to the financial interests of Commissioners. They will have to declare investments above €10,000 irrespective of whether there could be a conflict of interest. In case of a conflict of interest due to a Commissioner’s particular asset, the President will be able to request its divestiture or placement in a blind trust. Commissioners should update their declarations at the beginning of each year, as it is already the case today.

– Transparency and accountability: Commissioners are the best ambassadors of the European Union across the Member States and around the world which is why President Juncker encourages them to continue travelling. They must do so in the most cost-effective manner. Information about each Commissioner’s travel expenses will be published every two months. The first such publication is scheduled for the end of February 2018.

– Enforcing the rules: In the application of the Code, the College will be assisted by a new reinforced Independent Ethical Committee, which will be able to give advice on all ethical issues and make recommendations related to the Code. In case of a breach of the Code which does not justify taking the matter to the Court of Justice, the Commission can express a reprimand and make it public. This is a novelty recently used by the Juncker Commission and which will now be enshrined in the new rules.

– Allowing Commissioners to be candidates to European Parliament elections without having to take a leave of absence: While also being part of the revamped Code of Conduct, President Juncker’s proposal from November 2016 will become applicable as soon as the European Parliament agrees to the updated Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission. A vote in the European Parliament is scheduled for 7 February.

Next Steps:

The new Code of Conduct enters into force today and is applicable to all current Members of the Juncker Commission. On 7 February, the European Parliament is expected to agree to the new provisions allowing Commissioners to participate in European Parliament elections without having to take a leave of absence. At the end of February 2018, the Commission will, for the first time, publish details of all Commissioners’ mission expenses.

Finally, in the spirit of transparency and accountability, the Commission will publish annual reports on the application of the Code.

For more information:

– Code of Conduct for Commissioners of 2018

– Text of Article 245

– Code of Conduct for Commissioners of 2011

– Link to press release on the Letter by President Juncker to President Schulz on both cooling-off and EP election campaigns

– State of the Union 2017 of 13 September 2017

Reflecting on six months as leader

I have spent much of the last six months travelling around England from Torquay to Tyneside, as well as several trips through Wales – where Jane Dodds is leading the charge to revive our fortunes – and a visit to Scotland, where Willie Rennie leads a great team.

What I have found is a party in good heart, mounting a sure, steady fightback to recover ground lost during the Coalition years.

And we are opening up new territory too, even in Leave supporting, Labour areas like Sunderland, Liberal Democrats are on the march.

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welters Occasional Table

CEO Keith Welters at the January Furniture Show

welters^® recently attended the January Furniture Show at the NEC, where Company Founder Keith Welters showcased a new Occasional Table design. The table is elegantly proportioned and manufactured in decorative cast stone and polished black granite.

The January Furniture Show is an annual event attracting more than 20,000 furniture and interiors professionals and is the largest industry gathering in the UK

The Occasional Table is available for trade and general public, please contact welters for further information admin@welters-worldwide.com

welters^® are approved members of the British Furniture Manufacturers Association.

Click to visit welters furniture website

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Accountability in practice

A new Regulation governing data processing by the EU institutions, bodies and agencies will soon replace the current Regulation 45/2001. To raise awareness on the current and new data protection rules the EDPS organised a series of workshops in Luxembourg this week. Take part in a web-streamed training on 31 January at 2pm CET: http://europa.eu/!Mw99rQ

Glamis Road – tree and pavement works – and road closure

Further to the weekly road report information I updated residents about recently in which work in Glamis Road was mentioned, the following information has been issued by the City Council to affected residents about the work in the street and the resultant road closure :

“Glamis Road (Ninewells Avenue to Blackness Road) East & West Footways – Forestry & Remedial Footway Works

I wish to notify you that work is programmed to commence at the above location on Thursday 15 February 2018 and will last for approximately 2 and a half weeks. The works involve tree canopy pruning and remedial footway works associated with tree root damage.

Tree works will be carried out by Dundee City Council Forestry Section and the footway works will be carried out by Tayside Contracts.

Initially, footway works will be undertaken starting Thursday 15 February using temporary traffic lights off peak at localised areas as the work progresses. From Monday 19 February 2018, the works will be carried out by closing the street to all traffic from Ninewells Avenue to Blackness Road. Road traffic will be diverted via Glamis Road south of Blackness Road to Perth Road and Ninewells Avenue and the reverse.

For safety reasons, parking, waiting, loading and unloading will be prohibited on both sides of the street for the duration of the road closure. Due to the recognised volume of non resident vehicles parking on Glamis Road on a daily basis, parking enforcement will be in place for the duration of the road closure and parking enforcement notices will be issued where required. Accommodation will be made for residents’ access and servicing of properties if safe to do so though areas may be temporarily inaccessible during forestry operations. Site personnel will advise however we would ask that vehicular traffic movements be kept to a minimum, where possible.

Please note that pedestrian access will be maintained to both sides of the street for the duration of the works unless it is unsafe to do so due to ongoing works and localised alternative pedestrian walkways will be provided where required,

Bus services will be affected by this closure and I would advise bus passengers to visit www.dundeetravelinfo.com or telephone the bus operator for further details of diversion routes and alternative bus stops.”