Constructing an EU Ethics Oversight Authority

Abstract

This study provides a critical analysis of the proposed independent EU ethics body (EUEOA), as put forward by the European Parliament Resolution of 16 September 2021, to strengthen transparency and integrity in EU institutions.

The report does so by way of an internationally comparative, cross-jurisdiction analysis, and informed by regulatory theory, in particular financial regulatory theory. The purpose of which is to assess the strengths and weaknesses (including European constitutional law) of the proposal, and to assess the extent to which it will, under the current EUP Resolution, be created fit for purpose.

While the European Commission supports the creation of an independent ethics body common to all EU institutions — as originally stated by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines for the Commission — it expressed some policy and legal concerns regarding its impact upon the autonomy and independence of all institutions and their Members.

This study intends to address those concerns.

Keywords: Ethics, Integrity, Conflict Of Interest, Revolving Door, EU Ethics, EU Law, Statute Of EU Officials, MEPs

JEL Classification: K9, K33