1. 1. Host local antennas of policy DGs at the Ispra site, to build closer connections between policy and science, fostering a more efficient and effective collaboration;
2.  
3. 2. Free the JRC to focus on its scientific role to underpin policy-making, by entrusting routine tasks not compatible with the JRC strategy under the direct control of policy DGs. While in the JRC implementation review 2017^[1] some of these activities are flagged for possible outsourcing, we consider more reasonable and effective to attach them and their related staff directly to the relevant policy DG. In some cases, legal constraints make externalisation even impossible;
4.  
5. 3. Consider Ispra as the hosting site of future new structures, for instance, a new DG or entity for Security and Defense, enabling synergies with existing and future JRC activities in related areas;
6.  
7. 4. The Ispra site already hosts a very advanced crisis management infrastructure, and can provide increased resilience through decentralisation and geo-distribution of vital Commission services, thus guaranteeing business continuity in case of extreme events impeding their normal functioning at other major locations;
8.  
9. 5. Renaissance of the idea of applied science diplomacy, as formulated in the treaties, making the Ispra site the hub to promote an active partnership between Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

• A comprehensive and consistent use of "Offices" promises an increased efficiency and the reduction of the cost of support functions
• It  will encourage breaking down of silos, and facilitate staff mobility
• Investments aimed towards growing the Ispra site may help to reduce the strain caused by infrastructure shortages and high costs of rented buildings elsewhere
• Increased overall staffing levels at Ispra could have a positive budgetary impact, in consideration of the lower cost of living as compared to Brussels and Luxembourg
• Contractual Agents working for "Offices" may be offered contracts not limited to 6 years duration

 












Subject:    Your reply to our note of 12 October regarding the decision to strengthen the Code of Conduct for Commissioners and the rules and procedures for activity at the end of the term and management of conflicts of interest


We would like to thank you all most sincerely for your letter of 4 December in reply to our note of 12 October 2017.
We particularly appreciated the fact that you recognize our commitment to defend the reputation of our institution and we wish to confirm that all our efforts on this issue have been driven by our desire to contribute to ensuring that ─ as you mention in your answer ─ our institution adopts rules that meet the highest ethical standards.

In this context, we would also like to thank you for accepting our request to associate the staff representation with the ongoing discussions on the reform of this Code of Conduct by inviting the Central Staff Committee to contact the Secretariat General services responsible for this file.
It is with satisfaction that we note the importance you give to social dialogue , while too often the approach of our administration does not seem to be driven by the same desire for dialogue and the same respect for the staff.

In-depth reform of the Code of Conduct was, since the beginning of the Barroso and Kroes cases, the only option to put an end to all the malicious speculations from the opponents of the European Union. This is also what your staff has been asking you through the petition “Pas en notre nom” and what European citizens deserve and are entitled to expect from our institution.

Indeed, beyond the politically irresponsible and morally unacceptable decision of our former President Barroso and the ludicrous, if not pathetic, amnesia of former Commissioner Kroes, the need for irreproachable management of the appearance of a conflict of interest on the part of former members of the College is of utmost urgency.

These requirements must cover both the period of fulfilment of their duties and that coming after the end of their term.

To be able to appreciate this imperative to reform the existing rules whose inadequacy and endogamous nature are no longer to be demonstrated, it is sufficient to note, as Transparency International indicates in its report entitled “When the EU politicians  become lobbyists ” (link), that more than 50% of commissioners join structures mentioned in the EU Lobbyist Registry after the exercise of their mandate.

Needless to point out the disastrous consequences of this “careerist migration” for the reputation and credibility of our institution while it must be and must also be perceived as the guarantor of the general interest of European citizens without ever giving in to the interests and pressures of lobbies of all kinds.

Taking also the opportunity to thank you for your recognition of the dedication and professionalism of our staff, and also on behalf of countless colleagues who have supported all our efforts on this issue, we wish to confirm our commitment to continue to work tirelessly to defend the credibility and reputation of our institution that we have chosen to serve with enthusiasm and pride.

Cristiano Sebastiani
         President


Copies: Members of the College
Mrs E. O’REILLY, European Ombudsman
Commission staff


For references documents read more...
 

If it can be done in Brussels  (Alfen supplies the European Commission with Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles) and Geel, surely it can be done also at Ispra, the largest site of the Commission's science service? R&D has again asked for this to be discussed at the next Ispra COCOLO meeting on 1st December 2017.
Please read more on the Connected page. 

You may have read in the local news about spoiled meat possibly provided to the JRC Ispra canteen  (e.g. "Carne avariata al JRC di Ispra"). Following the publication of this worrying news we have been in contact with OIB for clarification and reassurances. OIB confirmed that, thanks to their internal controls, any such risks have been avoided, and any non-conforming delivery has been contested and sent back before hitting our plates.



At the same time we cannot ignore that the risks associated to similar events are a direct consequence of the deplorable decision to award tenders on the basis of the best price only, removing quality criteria.
Due to this policy, it was only a matter of time before such an event would occur. We therefore ask the Commission to be coherent with its declarations about the importance attached to staff's health, and take prompt actions to immediately terminate the contract with this provider, as well as to critically review its short-sighted policy to use the lowest price as the main or only awarding criteria.
Furthermore, we are going to address a message to VP Oettinger asking him to put in place all necessary measures to improve the quality of goods and services at the Commission.

Yours Faithfully,
Gianfranco Selvagio
President R&D Ispra