The agreement that was reached between eight EU institutions and bodies (namely Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the European Central Bank, the European Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions) provides for the joint creation of a new Body for Ethical Standards. MEPs endorsed the deal with 15 votes in favour, 12 against, and no abstentions.

The Body will develop, update, and interpret common minimum standards for ethical conduct, and publish reports on how these standards have been reflected in each signatory’s internal rules. The institutions participating in the Body will be represented by one senior member and the position of Chair of the Body will rotate every year between the institutions. Five independent experts will support the work of the Body, who will be available to be consulted by a party to the agreement on standardised written declarations, including declarations of…