transparency
Mon, 11/05/2009 - 7:49pm
transparency
The EU should increase the transparency and accountability of politicians and civil servants. This could be done through the development of a common code of conduct for public servants, requiring the disclosure of personal assets and the criminal record of those who work in European and national institutions, reducing the legal immunity of policy makers and introducing legislation on lobbying at national and European level. A Commissioner for Ethics or a European Integrity Ombudsman could be responsible for these actions.
Transparency needs supplementary effort. Though if we want more transparency in politics and administration we need a stronger civil society to put proper pression on the public institutions. Else no politician or civil servant will care about any code of conduct without feeling the constant pressure of civil society. In this respect European Commission should provide a special fund for this (since there are no national Operational Programs for civil ssociety development).
Nicolae Cuta
Even if we do not have this impression, the European institutions are much more transparent than many national government. Is the information provided the right way? Does it really reach European citizens? Maybe not.
hi i totally agree eu must be more transparent and democratic too. create more eu offices in towns around europe so we become more involved ythe politics must be part of everyday life for common europeans eu should also be a soft power a green environmentaslly friendly power a symbol in the world but we need our eu fast action troops too and we have nato and the partnership to protect us and stabilazi and make peace in the world eu is a great green union fr johnny b .