Gifts
Article 11 of the Staff Regulations states that EU officials may not receive gifts, favours or payment without the consent of the appointing authority. According to an answer from Commission President Barroso to a Member of the European Parliament on 28 March 2006, there are internal rules for the acceptance of gifts when the value exceeds 50 euros per year. For gifts worth less than 250 euros the recipient may keep the gift. Gifts valued at over 250 euros must be handed over to the Commission or sold for the benefit of a charitable organisation.
Commission President José Manuel Barroso was criticised when he took office for having accepted a sailing holiday from a Greek shipowner (Latsis) worth 25 000 EUR. The Commission does not keep a register of gifts received.
