Barroso II swears oath to treaties and rights charter

Commissioners pledge to work independently of national governments.

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The 27 members of the new European Commission, which started work on 10 February, swore a formal oath in Luxembourg today, pledging to act independently of national governments and to respect the EU’s treaties. They also swore for the first time to respect the Charter of Fundamental Rights, reflecting the legal status the charter now has under the Treaty of Lisbon.

The oath states that the commissioners promise to “be completely independent in carrying out my responsibilities, in the general interest of the Union”. They also pledged “neither to seek nor to take instructions from any government or from any other institution, body, office or entity” and to “to refrain from any action incompatible with my duties or the performance of my tasks”.

The commissioners are also bound to respect, both during and after their term of office, “the duty to behave with integrity and discretion” when it comes to accepting “certain appointments or benefits” after leaving office.