Keep Your Day Job Separate: Von der Leyen Lays Down Election Rules for EU Commissioners

Ursula von der Leyen has established guidelines for European Commissioners, including herself, who plan to campaign for the European Parliament, according to POLTICO. These rules require a clear separation between their official duties and electioneering activities.

When von der Leyen, who has yet to confirm her intention to pursue a second term as European Commission President, embarks on a campaign, she must navigate the ethics of balancing both roles.

The regulation document she authored specifies that commissioners can run for office if they clearly delineate their campaign efforts from their Commission work and use separate social media for electoral activities.

While von der Leyen's candidacy is anticipated next month, her self-imposed rules would ensure transparency, especially critical if she becomes the first incumbent seeking reelection. Other commissioners, like Virginijus Sinkevičius, will campaign for Parliamentary seats, also under these standards.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of participating in democratic processes but insist on strict differentiation between campaign resources and Commission assets. Candidates must manage potential conflicts of interest and maintain their Commission responsibilities.

Any uncertainties about the rules require immediate consultation with von der Leyen or Secretary-General Ilze Juhansone.