The Cabinet has commissioned a review of the ministerial code of ethics to make it "more relevant to today's realities", according to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
Speaking to the press in Brussels, Dr Muscat said the code of ethics was written in 1995 and must now be updated, streamlined and "clear".
Dr Muscat also replied to questions about the structure of his Cabinet. He stressed that the set-up for justice and home affairs ensured there was a "split" with two people responsible for the different areas, Manuel Mallia for home affairs and Owen Bonnici for justice.
"This had worked well in previous legislatures unlike what happened in the last legislature," he said, referring to the controversy during this legislature regarding the "conflict" that arose by having the same person, Carm Mifsud Bonnici, responsible for the two areas.
Dr Muscat also pointed out that linking the police, the army and the civil protection department under one ministry was intended to strengthen national security and allow for more "synergy" such as in areas like irregular immigration.
Asked why Public Broadcasting Services was added to the mix of Dr Mallia's ministry, Dr Muscat said PBS was sometimes placed in the education ministry and in the social policy ministry.
"This time we felt it would fit better here," he said.
Dr Muscat also defended his decision to seek the resignation of permanent secretaries, saying that this was a "natural procedure" when there was a change in government.
This did not mean that everyone's resignation would be accepted, he said, pointing out that permanent representative to the EU Marlene Bonnici had already been assured of her position because she was the best person for the job.
"What is certain is that we will treat everyone with dignity," he said.
Asked about the withdrawn request for the resignation of members of the Broadcasting Authority, Dr Muscat said this was an "administrative mistake, not a political one" and said a similar mistake had been made three months ago by the previous administration. Refusing to place the blame on a single individual, he stressed that there was never any intention to ask for the resignation of any constitutional bodies.
Dr Muscat also spoke about his relationship with other EU leaders, saying he wanted to build bridges, continuing where former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi left off. He made special reference to France, Luxembourg and the UK. He pointed out that he "struck a good chord" with British Prime Minister David Cameron, with whom he discovered a "familial link".