European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has launched a wide-ranging inquiry into how EU agencies handle ‘revolving doors’—when public officials move to related work in the private sector.

While the right to engage in work is a fundamental right and every case should be assessed individually, if not properly managed, revolving doors cases can undermine the integrity of the EU administration and erode public trust in the EU as a whole. Risks include former officials taking valuable insider knowledge and contacts to the private sector, and lobbying their former colleagues.

EU agencies contribute to the implementation of EU policies across a wide range of areas, including banking, insurance, aviation, and pharmaceuticals.

The Ombudswoman’s inquiry will focus primarily on those whose work involves significant contact with the private sector. As a first step, she has asked a selection of 15 agencies to provide a list of recent revolving door cases concerning members of management boards and senior staff. She has also requested information on what policies they have in place for managing such cases, including rules on intended post-mandate and post-service activities, as well as the criteria and guidance used to assess post-employment restrictions.

In addition, the Ombudswoman asked the EU Agencies Network (EUAN) to inform agencies not contacted directly to proactively submit any information that could be of interest to the inquiry.

In conducting the inquiry, the Ombudswoman will draw on recent developments in this area, such as the useful measures the European Banking Authority introduced following a previous inquiry.

Agencies contacted

The Ombudswoman sent her request to the following agencies:

· Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC)

· European Banking Authority (EBA)

· European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

· European Defence Agency (EDA)

· European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

· European Institution of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

· European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)

· European Medicines Agency (EMA)

· European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

· European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

· European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

· European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)

· European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

· European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

· Single Resolution Board (SRB)