EU holds anti-sleaze talks

Brussels is set to unveil proposals in May strengthening transparency within the EU institutions, an initiative backed by EU chief José Manuel Barroso.

Administrative Affairs Commissioner Siim Kallas told reporters on Wednesday that the college of 25 commissioners would discuss his so-called "transparency initiative" on May 18.

"I have proposed a so-called transparency initiative- there will be an orientation debate on May 18, which I hope will be followed by concrete proposals," said Kallas.

According to the commissioner, the initiative covers three areas including the availability of end recipient data for EU funds, lobbying activities, and personal integrity issues.

The move follows controversy surrounding a €20,000 family holiday taken by Barroso in 2004 with friend and shipping magnate Spyros Latsis - also a recipient of EU funds.

A commission spokesman also said that discussions would include a wider debate on ethics in public life, the European Commission's code of conduct, and calls to establish an ethics committee.

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