Commissioner's oath
Commissioner's oath
An oath is a solemn promise. MEPs make no oath when they are elected, but Judges and Commissioners do.
The Commissioners are first appointed by a majority of prime ministers meeting behind closed doors in a European summit. Then, the whole college is approved by a majority in the European Parliament. Before they can start their work the Commissioners also have to go to the European Court in Luxembourg and swear an oath.
Here is the text they solemnly swear before the European Court of Justice:
“Having been appointed as a member of the Commission of the European Communities by the Council of the European Union, after the vote of approval by the European Parliament, I do solemnly undertake: to be completely independent in the performance of my duties, in the general interest of the Communities; in the performance of these duties, neither to seek nor to take instructions from any government or from any other body; to refrain from any action incompatible with my duties.
I formally note the undertaking of each Member State to respect this principle and not to seek to influence members of the Commission in the performance of their tasks. I further undertake to respect, both during and after my term of office, the obligations arising therefrom and in particular, the duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance after I have ceased to hold office of certain appointments or benefits.”
