Today's Oath ceremony - Main contents

Signing oath of independence at the European Court of Justice

Today, my Commissioner colleagues and I went to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg to swear our oath as incoming European Commissioners. Standing in front of the judges of the Court to take this solemn declaration was a humbling moment that brought home to me the great honour and responsibility that we have in taking our common project of the European Union forward.

We all solemnly declared to respect the EU treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and to be independent when we carry out our responsibilities, in the general interest of the Union. We also pledged not to take any action that would be incompatible with our duties.

I come away from this ceremony with a feeling of gratitude to be able to play my part in advancing international cooperation and development for the EU in the coming years - for a Union that is based on common values and firm principles of law, of which we can all be proud.