Towards a European Ethics and Integrity Body: Analyzing the European Commission's 2023 Proposal

In an era increasingly marked by concerns over ethics and integrity across both public and private sectors, the European Union (EU) has taken a significant step by proposing the creation of a European Ethics and Integrity Body (EEIB). The development of a European Ethics and Integrity Body (EEIB) or framework within the European Union (EU) is an evolving and multifaceted process, influenced by ongoing discussions and considerations.
This paper firstly performs a critical legal assessment of the European Commission's proposal (IP/23/3106, 2023) and conducts an analysis of the various codes of conduct within different EU institutions in relation to the latest EC proposal. The paper explores the potential impact of the EEIB on the EU's governance and ethical framework while highlighting key considerations and challenges. In a third section, this contribution analyses the possible best practices derived from various other bodies and institutions, both on the EU and international level. Finally, it sheds light on the status and key considerations regarding the establishment of an EEIB.