Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000255/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Virginie Joron (PfE)
According to reports in the Le Figaro newspaper[1], the Commission has given its approval to former Commissioner (2019-2024) Thierry Breton to join Bank of America’s global advisory council. He will perform this role three days a year (and will not be a member of staff or receive a salary[2]).
It is highly symbolic, as Thierry Breton was one of the Commission’s few champions of European strategic autonomy. One can hardly imagine General de Gaulle wanting to work for Bank of America.
Thierry Breton is the former CEO of French digital and security giant Atos, which is currently in deep trouble. Atos says it received more than EUR 12 million from the Commission in 2023[3] and a cyberdefence contract in 2024[4].
In 2021, the Commission imposed a EUR 371 million fine on the Bank of America and a number of banks for forming a cartel on EU government bonds. Bank of America’s fine was eventually waived, however[5]. Bank of America bought and sold millions of shares in Atos in 2024[6].
- 1.What remuneration, allowances or benefits has Thierry Breton declared for three days’ work for Bank of America in 2025 in order to receive the Commission’s approval?
- 2.Does the recruitment of a former Commissioner by a bank fined by the Commission damage the institution’s reputation?
Submitted: 21.1.2025
- [1] https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/l-ex-commissaire-europeen-thierry-breton-va-integrer-le-conseil-consultatif-international-de-bank-of-america-20250116; https://urlr.me/yVK95r; Article 245 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that when entering upon their duties, Members of the Commission give a solemn undertaking to respect their duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance, after they have ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits. https://urlr.me/xHfVQM
- [2] Thierry Breton said on 21 January 2025 that he would not be a member of staff or receive a salary; https://x.com/SudRadio/status/1881612253717237932
- [3] https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/atos-se?rid=249876817241-03
- [4] https://urlr.me/4GRVmS; https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/informatics/items/28799/en
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2565
- [6] https://urlr.me/XqFNCc; https://urlr.me/QuzKkE; In 2009, Bank of America received USD 120 billion from the US Government; https://urlr.me/GzD8Yf