I had undertaken to give effect to the findings of the Committee of Independent Experts. Yesterday the college [of commissioners] assumed its responsibilities in this regard and in its name I would like to make a few comments:
1.
The report examined a number of specific dossiers which have been the subject recently of criticism from the European Parliament. I note that detailed study of these dossiers does show mal-administration and one case of favouritism, but that there are no indications of fraudulent behaviour or corruption, nor of personal gain, on the part of members of the Commission.
2.
It is my impression that the committee's report, on the basis of a very limited number of cases of fraud or mal-administration which deserved to be criticised, goes on to paint a picture of generalised irresponsibility on the part of the institution and its officials. That image is false. I was shocked by the tone of the report, which I reject.
3.
I refuse to admit that a balance sheet of four years' work, during which the Commission has comprehensively fulfilled its political programme, can be encapsulated in six cases of irregularities of which four have their origins prior to 1995. I would have hoped that the committee of independent experts could in turn have also acknowledged the substantial reforms initiated by this Commission since 1995 and the ambitious reform programme announced to the European Parliament in January.
4.
The Commission's decision yesterday was a political act. We accepted our responsibility even if we believed that the report was unbalanced. Sometimes a crisis can be salutary; we must use this crisis as a springboard for a deep and lasting reform of our European institutions. I hope that this crisis will contribute to restoring the smooth functioning of the institutions.
5.
I have informed the President of the European Council [Chancellor Schroder] of the Commission's decision of last night. I have told him that, in line with the treaty, we will continue to perform our functions until our replacements can be appointed in line with the procedures provided for.