Oath of Independence - Main contents

Last Wednesday, on December 10, I took the oath of independence in front of the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg:

Having been appointed as a Member of the European Commission by the European Council, following the vote of consent by the European Parliament

I solemnly undertake:

to respect the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in the fulfilment of all my duties;

to be completely independent in carrying out my responsibilities, in the general interest of the Union;

in the performance of my tasks, neither to seek nor to take instructions from any Government or from any other institution, body, office or entity;

to refrain from any action incompatible with my duties or the performance of my tasks.

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 obligation 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.