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Commissioner's oath

Commissioner's oath

An oath is a solemn promise. MEPs take no oath when they are elected, but Judges and Commissioners do.

The Commissioners are first appointed by a majority of the prime ministers and presidents meeting behind closed doors at a European summit. Then the whole College of Commissioners is approved by a majority in the European Parliament. Before they can start their work the commissioners also have to go to the European Court in Luxembourg and swear an oath.

Here is the text they solemnly swear before the European Court of Justice: 

SOLEMN DECLARATION

Before the

COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

pursuant to Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 245 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

• "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."

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