Principles for EU officials

European Union officials should be conscious that the Union's institutions exist in order to serve its citizens, according to a set of principles for EU civil servants issued by P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, the EU's ombudsman. They should also always act as if under the closest public scrutiny and be willing to explain their activities. 

The five principles, published on Tuesday (19 June), are commitment to the EU and its citizens; integrity; objectivity; respect for others; and transparency. They emerged from a public consultation and consultations with ombudsmen in the member states, and take account of ‘best practice' in the member states, according to Diamandouros. He said that the public-service principles embody “fundamental ethical standards”. “At a time when the EU is facing a severe crisis, the principles can help to build greater trust between citizens and the EU institution,” he said.