Campaign group Transparency International EU welcomed the decision by Juncker to refer Barroso's move through the "revolving door to Goldman Sachs" to the Commission's Ad hoc Ethical Committee to determine whether the former President's actions constitute a breach of ex-Commissioners' duties to behave with discretion and integrity after leaving their posts.
“This is a small victory for the thousands of EU citizens who petitioned @JunckerEU to act” https://t.co/NTc8vvqyzF pic.twitter.com/F0JSYZw56g
— Transparency Int. EU (@TI_EU) 12 September 2016
"This first step is a small victory for the thousands of EU citizens — many of them Commission employees — who petitioned President Juncker to act," Carl Dolan, director of Transparency International EU told Sputnik.
"This is a big credibility test for the ethics committee that President Juncker appointed. In a case that will have a huge impact on the Commission's integrity and reputation, the process needs to be swift and transparent. It's imperative that the committee's minutes, recommendations and the reasoning behind them are published as soon as possible."
Ethical Questions
In its announcement of Barroso's appointment, the US investment banks said: "His perspective, judgement and counsel will add great value to our GSI Board of Directors, Goldman Sachs, our shareholders and our people." However, critics said it would afford Barroso enormous lobbying power and was derided as another example of the "revolving door" of outgoing Euro chiefs.
In a letter to Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly asked the Commission to explain what measures it has taken to check whether the appointment conforms with ethics obligations in the Treaty, whether he has, or will, request an opinion of the Ad hoc Ethical Committee and whether the Commission is considering reforming the Commissioners' Code of Conduct.
Referral of #Barroso scandal to ethics committee welcome. But too late & only 1st step: https://t.co/mZgUNevNVV pic.twitter.com/Gr82bj7jIh
— CEO (@corporateeurope) 12 September 2016
European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, wrote to Juncker saying:
"Mr Barroso's move has generated concern at a very challenging time for the EU and particularly in relation to citizen trust in its institutions. This is a significant public interest issue and must be openly and comprehensively addressed by the Commission."
Transparency International EU also commended the decision that Barroso's future dealings with the Commission will be treated according to the same rules that apply to any other lobbyist, urging that Commission officials refrain from meeting with Barroso while the Ad hoc Ethical Committee is deliberating.
