SPAIN STATE STRUCTURE: [UNITARY=THE OPPOSITE OF FEDERATION]….SO, INDENPENDENTISTAS QUIEREN ROMPER LA ESTRUCTURA DEL ESTADO DE ESPANA

GOV.UK

The Seven Principles of Public Life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder. This includes all those who are elected or appointed to public office, nationally and locally, and all people appointed to work in the Civil Service, local government, the police, courts and probation services, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), and in the health, education, social and care services. All public office-holders are both servants of the public and stewards of public resources. The principles also apply to all those in other sectors delivering public services.

1.1 Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

1.2 Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

1.3 Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

1.4 Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

1.5 Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

1.6 Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

1.7 Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor

behaviour wherever it

THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE: THE 12 Principles of Good Governance

Good Governance – the responsible conduct of public affairs and management of public resources – is encapsulated in the Council of Europe 12 Principles of Good Governance.

The 12 Principles are enshrined in the Strategy on Innovation and Good Governance at local level, endorsed by a decision of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 2008. They cover issues such as ethical conduct, rule of law, efficiency and effectiveness, transparency, sound financial management and accountability.

The Centre of Expertise has developed toolkits to assist local authorities, and in some cases central authorities, in living up to these principles and thus delivering better services to citizens.

The European Label of Governance’ Excellence (ELoGE)is awarded to local authorities having achieved a high overall level of good governance measured against the relevant benchmark

Code of Conduct for the Members of the European Commission

Ethics and integrity for Commissioners

The European Union Treaties provide that the independence of Members of the European Commission must be beyond doubt, and that Commissioners must behave with integrity and discretion throughout and after the end of their term of office.

The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union develops these principles further.

Member States may not to try to influence European Commissioners. Commissioners may not engage in other occupations during their term of office and must continue to behave with integrity and discretion after their mandate.

The obligation of professional secrecy, which binds all staff of the European institutions, also applies to Commissioners

Declarations of interests

A main feature is the publication of declarations of interests. In these declarations, individual European Commission Members are obliged to declare any positions held in the last ten years, their financial interests which could give rise to a conflict of interest and their membership of bodies intended to influence the exercise of public functions. This obligation also applies to Commissioners-designate and the President-elect before they take up their functions.

The European Parliament examines the declarations in the context of the hearings of Commissioners-designate before their appointment. The declarations are updated at least on an annual basis, scrutinised under the authority of the President of the Commission and then published. They are also available in a machine-readable format.

Transparency

Those declarations are only one aspect of the Commission’s drive for greater transparency. The Commission also leads by example by publishing information on the meetings held between Commissioners and interest representatives as well as the costs of Commissioners’ individual business travel. A list of gifts which Commissioners receive in their official capacity is also available to the public.

Political role

Commissioners play an important political role. They have political responsibility and are accountable to the European Parliament. The Code of Conduct provides therefore that they can participate in the democratic life of the Union and its Member States, as it is the case for national public office-holders. There are, however, certain conditions and restrictions which distinguish between participation in EU-wide politics and national politics.

Post term of office activities

Just like any other EU citizen, Commissioners have the right to pursue a professional career after the end of their mandate. However, in order to ensure that former Commissioners continue to respect the principles of independence, integrity and discretion, the Code of Conduct provides for a two-year scrutiny period (three years for the former Commission President). Commissioners are obliged to notify the professional activities in which they intend to engage during this period. If the intended activity is linked to the Commissioner’s former portfolio, the Commission can only give its approval after having consulted the Independent Ethical Committee.

The Commission adopts its Decision after having received the Opinion of the Independent Ethical Committee.

Sanctions

In the event of a breach of their obligations, the Court of Justice may deprive former Commissioners of their rights to a pension or other benefits. Such sanctions are exceptional compared to most national systems intended to uphold standards in public life. The Commission may also decide, taking into account the Opinion of the Independent Ethical Committee and on proposal of the President, to express a reprimand and, where appropriate, make it public.

CODES OF CONDUCT MANDATES FOR GOVERNMENTS/NATIONS