Managing Ethics in the European Commission Services

Abstract

This article adds to research on the regulation of standards of conduct in public administration. Specifically, it analyses attempts made during Siim Kallas' mandate (2004Kallas' mandate ( -2009, to change the European Commission's approach to managing ethics, from a focus on control (inherited from the Kinnock reforms) to a 'modern' style based on guidance and shared values. Findings suggest that administrative practice fell short of delivering the change suggested by official discourse. The case of the Commission illustrates the practical challenges of operating shifts in organizational ethics management, and draws attention to the influence of the historical and political context of the reforms. The article uses a qualitative methodology, combining document analysis and in-depth interviews with ethics experts in the European Commission.

Catering to Organizational Needs in Ethics Management: The Case of the European Commission

“…First, this represents an exploratory study, tackling as it does aspects which have not been previously touched in the literature. To be clear, the small body of research on ethics in the European Commission (Cini, 2004(Cini, , 2010(Cini, , 2013Dercks, 2001;Giusta, 2006;Hine & McMahon, 2004;Nȃstase, 2012) is entirely dedicated to the analysis of policy responses. The more substantial literature on Commission socialization, roles, and identities (e.g., Abélès, Bellier, & McDonald, 1993;Hooghe, 2001Hooghe, , 2012Shore, 2000) touches on ethics only marginally, or not at all.…”

“…The administrative reform agenda continued during the Barosso I Commission with the well-publicized European Transparency Initiative (2006), which, alongside measures to boost transparency in financial management and interest group activity, 4 also addressed internal ethical standards. This was accomplished through the Communication for Enhancing the Environment for Professional Ethics in the Commission (2008), 5 which sought, on the one hand, to tie the loose ends of the Kinnock reforms (specifically, by streamlining regulations on favors, gifts, and hospitality, and simplifying authorization procedures), and, on the other, to increase ethics guidance and awareness-raising throughout the Commission (Nȃstase, 2012). In this package, one measure in particular stands out-the appointment, within each DG, of an "ethics correspondent," i.e., a person who would serve as a point of contact for all ethics-related issues, with strictly advisory attributions.…”

“…The Ethics Communication noted only that "[e]very DG should therefore appoint an 'ethics correspondent' to serve as a focal and fist contact point for all ethics-related issues, both for the services and their staff. When dealing with queries from staff, ethics correspondents act in confidence"(Commission, 2008, p. 4).13 SeeNȃstase (2012) for a more detailed discussion of the character of organizational communication within the Commission, on the topic of ethics.…”

Exploring the Drivers of Corrupt Practices and Non-Adherence to Ethical Values in Public-Sector Management: Focusing on Public Policy and Programme Implementation

“…Further, societal laws are based on the procedures and code of conduct made by the legal system of society or government (Thaler & Helmig, 2016); nonetheless, all ethical expectations cannot be covered by formal laws (Năstase, 2013;Thaler & Helmig, 2016). This implies that a robust ethically compliance within the business environment will ensure a lawful society and ultimately eliminate corruption (Donaldson, 1989).…”

EU Decision-Making on Inter-Institutional Agreements: Defining (Common) Rules of Conduct for European Lobbyists and Public Servants

“…A network of ethics contacts was established throughout the Commission's services; individual departments such as the Directorate General (DG) Competition have developed bespoke Codes; and new training courses on ethics have been set up. The one-stop shop website on ethics issues which is a work-in-progress provides officials with a useful central online resource (Năstase 2012). EP officials are also subject to the Staff Regulations.…”