HL Deb 06 October 2003 vol 653 cc30-1WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the answer by the Lord President to the supplementary question by the Lord Richard on 8 September (HL Deb, col. 3), whether European Union Commissioners and staff are bound to owe allegiance solely to the European Union, ignoring the interests of their country, in accordance with (a) the solemn declaration made by incoming European Union Commissioners; (b) Article 213 (2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community; and (c) Titles II (Rights and Obligations of Officials) and VI (Disciplinary Measures) of the European Union staff Regulations. [HL4432]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

In the performance of their duties, both European Union Commissioners and their officials are expected to be completely independent. This means, amongst other things, that they should not take instructions from any individual government or member state. Rather, they should consider the interests of the European Union as a whole.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the answer by the Lord President to the supplementary question by the Lord Richard on 8 September (HL Deb, col. 3), whether former European Union Commissioners and staff may lose their entitlement to retirement pension if they are in breach of Article 213(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community or of Titles II (Rights and Obligations of Officials) or VI (Disciplinary Measures) of the European Union Staff Regulations. [HL4433]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Former members of the European Commission and their officials are bound to respect certain obligations arising from the office that they held. In the event of any breach of these obligations, the EU institutions are able to rule, according to the circumstances, that that person should be liable to a reduction or withdrawal of pension rights.