When taking over the Presidency of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) at the end of October 2020, I announced a number of internal changes to enhance the way the Committee operates (see EUROPE 12591/12). Today, 100 days later, we have delivered on our promises.
On 28 January, the EESC plenary session approved the revised Code of Conduct for members of the EESC – a set of sound rules outlining members' responsibilities and obligations. The revised code provides more clarity, more financial transparency, helps to effectively prevent harassment and imposes stronger sanctions for non-compliance.
Where there is an allegation of misconduct, the matter will be investigated by the newly created Ethical Committee, which has explicit investigative powers. Both EESC members and staff will be able to submit complaints to the Ethical Committee. During an investigation, any recognised whistle-blowers will be protected and close cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) will be ensured.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the seriousness of the misconduct, members can face a range of sanctions. These include: removal from one or more offices held within the Committee, repair of any damage caused, temporary loss of the allowances that members receive, a suspension from taking part in all or some of the EESC's activities or missions and prohibition from representing the EESC at any national, interinstitutional or international forums. In the most severe cases, it will also be possible to expel a member from the EESC.
The updated rules also further increase financial transparency, especially in relation to the reimbursement of members' missions and activities. Every year, members will be obliged to submit a financial declaration that will be made publicly available on the EESC website. The document also clarifies cases of potential conflict of interest.
The work on strengthening the Code of Conduct was done at an extraordinary pace. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the colleagues that worked on the changes and to thank the EESC members for their broad support for this proposal and their commitment to live up to the new rules. This proves that we are committed to high ethical standards and modern, transparent working methods.
Certainly, these changes did not come out of nowhere. They were a consequence of the challenges faced by the EESC throughout 2020. Following the case of alleged harassment by one of the EESC members, in September 2020, the European Parliament decided not to grant the budget discharge for the year 2018 to the EESC (see EUROPE 12585/7).
When taking over the EESC Presidency, I underlined that I treated MEP's concerns seriously. That is why the changes we proposed follow the guidelines issued by the European Parliament, as well as recommendations from the Ombudsman and OLAF. We have also built on the best practices of other institutions – namely, the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions.
I would like to assure you that this is the first but not the last step in the EESC's reforms under my presidency. I will keep working hard on restoring the European Economic and Social Committee's image and on rebuilding its trust and credibility both externally and internally.
We want to adapt the EESC's role, as defined in the treaties, to the future, post-COVID-19 reality and to the needs of the institutions we advise. We will keep enhancing our working methods to get the most out of the "new normal" – operating mainly in a remote and virtual environment. This remoteness comes with challenges, as we miss direct in-person discussions, but it also has certain advantages: we can be faster, more flexible and we can engage with even more people.
The Committee is changing. The new term of office brought over 40% of new members (and among them a higher share of women). Their fresh energy – together with the know-how of long-standing EESC members – creates an unique mixture of experience and creativity. We want to use this mixture to help shape post-COVID-19 Europe. A Europe that prospers economically, that is socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
Actions speak louder than words. That is why I would like to ask our partners and stakeholders – the EU policy-makers and civil society organisations – to engage with us with new impetus and energy. United for the future of Europe!
Christa Schweng is president of the European Economic and Social Committee