Revolving door provides privileged access Why the European Commission needs a stricter code of conduct Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Regulation (ALTER-EU) February 2011 Table of Contents 3 Executive summary Author Jens Clausen. Editing by Helen Burley. 4 Introduction Contributions by William Dinan, Olivier 5 Revolving doors – an ongoing saga in the EU Hoedeman, Natacha Cingotti, Yiorgos Vassalos, Nina Katzemich and Erik Wesselius. 5 Revolving doors since the 1980s Design by yichalal 5 1999 scandals force the Commission to react The Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and 6 The Code of Conduct under José Manuel Barroso’s presidency Ethics Regulation (ALTER-EU) is a coalition of 7 The class of 2010 – where are they now? over 160 civil society groups, trade unions, academics and public affairs firms concerned 7 Günter Verheugen with the increasing influence exerted by 8 Charlie McCreevy corporate lobbyists on the political agenda 9 Benita Ferrero-Waldner in Europe, undermining democratic decision 9 Joe Borg making in the EU and resulting in urgently needed progress on social, environmental and 10 Meglena Kuneva consumer-protection reforms being delayed, 10 Louis Michel watered down or even blocked. 12 A weak approval procedure and a compromised committee ALTER-EU is registered in the European 12 A compromised ad-hoc ethical committee Commission Register of Interest Representatives under number: 2694372574-63 12 Process too reliant on biased information 12 Lack of restrictions and vague limitations ALTER-EU Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics 12 Narrow definition of conflicts of interests Regulation in the EU 13 An overly generous allowance system – and continued scandals Rue d’Edimbourg 26, Brussels 1050, Belgium
[email protected] 14 Half measures will not end revolving doors scandals www.alter-eu.org around former EU Commissioners 16 Appendix 16 Recommendations 18 Notes Revolving door Revolving provides access privileged 2 Executive summary The revolving door between the EU institutions and official decision on the case.