91998E2617

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2617/98

by Sören Wibe (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Commission policy on public opinion

In the Swedish Government, for example, it is considered impossible in principle for a member of the government to express a view which contradicts the political line adopted by the Swedish Government.

What is the position within the Commission? Can a commissioner take a different political line from the one adopted by the Commission as a whole ahead of a government conference, for example? Can a commissioner take a liberal line on drugs if the Commission as a whole does not advocate such a policy?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(20 October 1998)

The Commission would point out that it adopts its positions in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Treaties. They reflect the will of the Members of the Commission as a whole, and only these are binding on them.

The Commission has had the occasion to recall in reply to written and oral questions by Members of Parliament(1) that its Members exercise a political function and, while honouring the obligations imposed by the function, remain free to express their personal opinions quite independently and on their own responsibility.

(1) For example, reply from President Rey to oral question No 10/68 by Mr Habib-Deloncle, and Commission replies to Written Questions Nos 44/83 by Mr Bendebien, 1682/85 by Mr Vandemeulebroucke, and 1404/97 by Mr Pasty, OJ C 55, 10.3.1986; OJ C 391, 23.12.1997.