Public affairs professionals are a vital
part of the democratic process, acting as a
link between the world of business, civil society, and
policymakers. These
professionals must therefore undertake to observe the highest
professional and
ethical standards. The signatories to this code are all
committed to abide by it,
acting in an honest, responsible and courteous manner at
all times and seeking to
observe the highest professional standards.
In their dealings with EU institutions these
professionals shall:
(a) recognize the rights of all parties involved
to state their case and express
their views;
(b) identify themselves by name and organization and the
interest they
represent;
(c) not intentionally or otherwise disseminate false or
misleading information,
and correct any such act promptly;
(d) not obtain information from EU institutions by dishonest
means;
(e) neither intentionally misrepresent their status nor
the nature of their
inquiries to EU institutions nor create any false impression
in relation
thereto;
(f) honour confidential information given to them;
(g) not sell for profit to third parties copies of documents
obtained from public
institutions;
(h) not offer any financial or other inducement which would
constitute
improper influence on EU institutions;
(i) only employ personnel from EU institutions subject
to the rules and
confidentiality requirements of those institutions;
(j) avoid any professional conflicts of interest; disclose
such conflicts when
they occur; and take swift action in order to resolve any
conflict which
arises.
All signatories agree to adhere to this Code
and to cooperate fully with the codeholders body charged
with oversight of its implementation.
