Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000275/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)
The former European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, has recently taken up a consultative role on Bank of America’s global advisory council. His appointment was approved by the Commission which, in spite of the requisite two-year waiting period for former commissioners, appeared to deem it consistent with EU ethics rules.
The case is a concerning one, not least given the sensitive nature of Mr Breton’s Commission portfolio, his possible impact on EU policies, the influence that some major financial institutions may have wielded over the Commission in the past, and the obligation incumbent on the EU to uphold transparency and integrity.
In view of the above:
- 1.On the basis of what criteria did the Commission deem Mr Breton’s advisory role with Bank of America to be consistent with EU ethics rules, including the two-year waiting period?
- 2.How could the Commission strengthen oversight measures to ensure that former commissioners do not take up roles liable to undermine trust in the impartiality of the EU institutions?
- 3.What specific steps could it take to review the existing rules and prevent such cases from compromising the integrity and transparency of the EU?
Submitted: 22.1.2025