Thread by @spornschlegel

Whilst I do not share many views with La France Insoumise, this article by @ManonAubryFr in @EURACTIV touches upon an important point: Lacking rules for conflicts of interest in the EU. /1 (Thread) euractiv.com/section/politi…

@GoulardSylvie was not a particularly corrupt candidate, as some portrayed her - most Comissioners have "side business" before (and even when) holding their positions, MEPs often have extra jobs & revolving doors are definitely an issue (Remember Barroso & Goldman Sachs). /2

There is not only a lack of ceiling for add. incomes, which the Green MEP @daniel_freund proposed to establish - one must also improve transparency and accountability mecanisms & avoid politicisation of such issues (as with Goulard's case), which leads to an unfair process. /3

This is why transparency & accountability is on the agenda of the #vdL Commission: @VeraJourova's portfolio includes "working on an independent ethics body common to all EU institutions." This is a good idea but should not become (yet another) body without a strong mandate. /4

There already is an @EUombudsman - this office should be strengthened as far as possible within the Treaty framework to ensure a better functioning of & adding more democratic legitimacy to EU institutions & processes. /5

Whilst the Goulard rejection was a typical case of "an eye for an eye" revenge, the issue of ethics, transparency & accountability should nonethless be tackled more seriously in the upcoming five years. Let's hope the EC, Council & EP will work on this together! /6