European Commission, Press release, Brussels, 2 April 201:
Today President Barroso announced
that 7 Commissioners will be standing for election and that 6 will be
taking electoral leave from their duties in order to participate
actively in the election campaign.
The following members of the
Commission have informed the President of their intention to participate
actively in the EP election campaign:
Vice President Reding, responsible for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship
Vice President Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship
Vice President Šefčovič, responsible for inter-institutional relations and administration
Vice President Rehn, responsible for economic and monetary affairs and the Euro
Commissioner Lewandowski, responsible for financial programming and the budget
Commissioner Mimica, responsible for consumer policy.
The President has decided to
grant electoral leave to these Commissioners between 19 April and 25
May, with the exception of Vice President Rehn whose electoral leave
will commence on 7 April. As provided for in the Code of Conduct this
leave is unpaid and during that period Commissioners may not use the
human or material resources of the Commission. All Commissioners on
electoral leave will return to active duty in the Commission from 26
May. If elected, those who decide to take up their seat in the European
Parliament will need to resign from the Commission by the end of June.
President Barroso has also
decided who will be temporarily responsible at political level for the
portfolios of those Commissioners who will be on electoral leave. His
decisions are as follows:
The President will take
responsibility for the portfolio of Vice President Šefčovič, responsible
for inter-institutional relations and administration
Vice President Kallas will
take responsibility for the portfolio of Vice President Rehn,
responsible for economic and monetary affairs and the Euro
Commissioner Piebalgs will
take responsibility for the portfolio of Commissioner Lewandowski,
responsible for financial programming and the budget
Commissioner Hahn will take
responsibility for the portfolio of Vice President Reding, responsible
for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship
Commissioner Barnier will
take responsibility for the portfolio of Vice President Tajani,
responsible for industry and entrepreneurship
Commissioner Andor will take responsibility for the portfolio of Commissioner Mimica, responsible for consumer policy.
During the period of electoral
leave, the Cabinets and services of Commissioners on leave will report
to and work for the Commissioners taking temporary responsibility of the
portfolio of their current Commissioner.
The Code of Conduct for
Commissioners also provides for cases where a Commissioner stands for
election but is not active in the campaign ("the President, taking into
account the particular circumstances… shall decide on whether the
envisaged participation in the election campaign is compatible with the
performance of the Commissioner's duties".) This is the case for
Commissioner De Gucht, responsible for Trade. Mr De Gucht has committed
that he will not participate actively in the campaign and will continue
to fulfil his duties as a Commissioner. Mr De Gucht has also publicly
declared that he will not take up his seat at the European Parliament
should he be elected.
As provided for in the Framework
Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission (OJ L304
of 20 November 2010), President Barroso has informed the President of
the European Parliament of his above-mentioned decisions concerning the
electoral leave. The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has also
been informed.
Background:
Between 22 and 25 May Europeans will be voting in EU wide elections for a new European parliament.
As provided for in the Code of
Conduct for Commissioners (C(2011) 2904), Commissioners "may be
politically active". Where they decide to stand for election, they
"shall inform the President of their intention to participate in an
election campaign and the role they expect to play in that campaign. If
they intend to play an active role in the election campaign, they must
withdraw from the work of the Commission for the entire period of active
implication and at least for the duration of the campaign".
[europa.eu]
2/4/14
No comments:
Post a Comment
Only News