The European College of Commissioners gave a solemn undertaking before the Court of Justice of the European Union to act in accordance with the Treaties and European values on Monday 13 January in Luxembourg, a few weeks after taking office.
Each Commissioner is required to make a solemn undertaking to: – respect the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU in the performance of their duties; – exercise their responsibilities in full independence, in the general interest of the Union; – in the performance of their duties, not to seek or take instructions from any government; – refrain from any action incompatible with the nature of his duties or the performance of their tasks; – respect, both during and after their term of office, the obligations arising therefrom, in particular their duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance, after they have ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits.
In his address on that occasion, the President of the Court of Justice, Koen Lenaerts, considered that the von der Leyen team has “all the necessary skills to respond effectively to the challenges currently facing the European Union”. He cited Brexit, scheduled for the end of January, the search for a more sustainable model of society, the digital transition, as well as the management of the migratory crisis which “feeds protest votes and identity withdrawal reflexes in many Member States”. On this point, he encouraged politicians to propose “measures based on solidarity between Member States” and “fair treatment of third-country nationals” based on the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (Article 67, para. 2).
Mr Lenaerts also noted “concerns” relating to respect for the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms, which have led to a proliferation of cases, including preliminary rulings, before the Court. “This common set of values, which [...] is the Union’s trademark, cannot tolerate any compromise or concession”, he also stressed.
Finally, the eminent jurist extolled the fight against tax and social fraud, a phenomenon that obscures the benefits of the internal market, which he considers “undeniable”. “Europe’s economic model, the result of decades of integration and approximation of national laws, can only be successful if it combines the objectives of prosperity, fiscal equity and social justice”, Mr Lenaerts said. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)