EU clarifies conflict of interest rules for serving and former Commissioners

The European Commission tightened the code of conduct for top officials today in the wake of conflict-of-interest scandals, but anti-corruption groups say the measures do not go far enough.

The new code bars European Union commissioners from hiring their spouses, partners or direct family members in their cabinets, and sets what the commission called "clearer" rules for accepting gifts and invitations.

After leaving office, a former commissioner must keep the EU's executive arm informed about job offers for 18 months, up from the current 12-month period. The revamp follows several revolving-door scandals last year when former commissioners took up lucrative jobs in the private sector.

Former internal markets commissioner Charlie McCreevy of Ireland was forced to quit working for a British bank under pressure from the European Commission. although the EU executive let him join Irish budget airline Ryanair.

Other commissioners were allowed to take positions at large banks, such as Germany's Guenter Verheugen, who came under fire during his time as industry commissioner for hiring his partner as cabinet chief.

When he was trade commissioner, Britain's Peter Mandelson was forced to deny giving any favours to a Russia oligarch after being invited on his yacht. Accepting such invitations is now forbidden under the new rules.

Erike Wesselius, of the anti-corruption group Alter-EU, said the new code was "overall disappointing," adding that the job notification period should last three years, not 18 months.

The EU pays ex-commissioners between 40 and 65 percent of their old salaries, which start at €20,300 euros (27,000 dollars) per month, to ease back into private life for three years after they leave office.

There was controversy in July last year when it was revealed that former European Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg would be working as a consultant with a Brussels-based public affairs consultancy firm that is also involved in lobbying the Commission on maritime affairs issues.

However, a spokesman for the Commission had ruled out the possibility that Dr Borg might have a conflict of interest in his new role since he had informed Brussels that he would not be giving any advice on subjects related to his former post, which covered fisheries and maritime affairs.

Dr Borg was also able to keep his €130,000 plus annual compensation from the European Commission. A Commission spokesman had told The Times the EU executive had given its consent to Dr Borg to consult for Fipra after he made a request under the Commission's code of conduct.