Brussels, 26 February 2026 – A group of leading EU law professors affiliated with The Good Lobby Profs have formally called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to open an immediate inquiry into the conduct of former EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson (2004–2008).
In a letter sent today, the professors urge the Commission to assess whether Lord Mandelson may have breached his obligations of integrity, independence and discretion under EU law, following his recent arrest in the United Kingdom in connection with alleged misconduct in public office linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
The signatories stress that Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein overlapped with his full mandate as EU Trade Commissioner, a period covering highly sensitive international trade negotiations.
They call on the Commission to open a formal investigation, refer the matter to its Independent Ethical Committee and the Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards, and clarify publicly how it intends to respond.
“The Commission cannot look away when credible concerns arise about the possible misuse of confidential information by a former Commissioner,” said Alberto Alemanno, Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law at HEC Paris. “If ethical obligations under Articles 17(3) TEU and 245 TFEU are to mean anything, they must be enforceable – including after a mandate ends.”
The initiative is led by Professors Alberto Alemanno and Laurent Pech on behalf of The Good Lobby Profs, a non-partisan network committed to strengthening accountability and integrity in European governance.