Commission’s new ethics code won’t stop abuses, critics say

According to transparency campaigning group Alter-EU the European Commission's new draft Code of Conduct includes a number of improvements, but fails to effectively tackle the revolving doors problem. The changes announced are too weak to prevent potential conflicts of interest when ex-Commissioners take up new roles. Therefore, it is crucial that the European Parliament substantially improves the draft Code of Conduct.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Commission rules to be 'improved' in light of revolving doors cases http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-rules-to-be-improved-in-light-of-revolving-doors-cases/

Alter-EU: Press Release, 14.1.11: Half measures will not end revolving doors scandals around former EU Commissioners; ALTER-EU comments on leaked draft Code of Conduct for Commissioners http://www.alter-eu.org/documents/2011/01/14/new-commission-code-not-enough-to-close-revolving-doors

EurActiv, 18.1.11: Commission's draft ethics code under fire http://www.euractiv.com/pa/commissions-draft-ethics-code-fi-news-501331

EUObserver, 11.2.11: Oligarch yachts become no-go area for EU comissioners http://euobserver.com/9/31787

European Commission: Code of conduct for Commissioners (SEC (2004)1487) http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/pdf/code_conduct_en.pdf

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