12/03/2026
The European Commission has responded to the letter sent by The Good Lobby Profs regarding the conduct of former EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson (2004-2008).
In a reply signed by Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission confirms that it “takes the allegations very seriously” and has referred the matter to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) for appropriate follow-up.
The referral is an important step. However, it does not exhaust the Commission’s own responsibilities under EU law.
Two provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union are particularly relevant.
Under Article 245 TFEU, members of the European Commission give a solemn undertaking to act with integrity and discretion both during and after their term in office. Meanwhile, Article 339 TFEU imposes a lifelong duty of professional secrecy on former Commissioners.
These Treaty obligations are not enforced by OLAF. They fall within the responsibility of the Commission itself. Where breaches are established, the Commission must refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union, which may decide to deprive a former Commissioner of their pension or other benefits.
For this reason, the OLAF referral cannot substitute for the Commission’s own assessment.
Following the concerns raised by Professors Alberto Alemanno and Laurent Pech, and other signatories, the Commission should now independently examine whether Lord Mandelson’s post-mandate conduct is compatible with these Treaty obligations. If not, it must act accordingly.
Ensuring that the ethical obligations imposed on Commissioners remain enforceable after they leave office is essential to maintaining public trust in European institutions and safeguarding the integrity of EU decision-making.