National declaration on the Ethics Body

As part of the EU’s transparency agenda, the Commission issued a proposal to establish an interinstitutional ethics body on 8 June 2023. An agreement between the EU institutions and multiple EU bodies was reached during the Belgian presidency on 15 May 2024.

The Ethics Body aims to promote a common ethical and open culture among the parties. This will be done through the establishment of common minimum standards in relation to duty of disclosure regarding personal interests and assets, the reception of gifts, and external activities of the parties during and after their term of office, among other things.

Representatives of the Member States are not subject to the body, but to their respective national rules, standards, and practices of ethical behaviour, including when exercising their functions as members or chairs of the Council. Read more about the Interinstitutional Ethics Body on the Council’s website.

In relation to the Danish EU Presidency, relevant Danish national authorities have adopted a national declaration regarding national rules, standards, and practices applicable to Danish national representatives related to transparency – read the Danish statement and declaration here.