Ethics and transparency rules governing EU commissioners’ activities in office and after their mandate will be strengthened - EC announced on Wednesday. Enhanced transparency efforts include a more detailed Code of Conduct for Commissioners and plans to publish the Independent Ethical Committee's opinions on commissioners' post-mandate jobs. European Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly welcomed the plan to “extend the cooling-off period during which former Commissioners and Presidents must inform the EC of their intention to take up a new post and tightening the rules on the declaration of interests.”