Code of Ethics
Institutional commitment to integrity, transparency, and EU-aligned conduct
- Applies to: EUWBBC governance bodies, representatives, members, partners, and any individuals acting on behalf of EUWBBC.
- Alignment: EU Transparency Register Code of Conduct; applicable EU and national laws (incl. GDPR).
1. Purpose and Scope
The EU–Western Balkans Business Council (EUWBBC) is committed to conducting all its activities in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
This Code of Ethics sets out the core principles guiding the conduct of EUWBBC, its governing bodies, representatives, members, partners, and any individuals acting on its behalf in interactions with European Union institutions, public authorities, private sector stakeholders, and civil society.
2. Core Ethical Principles
EUWBBC is guided by the following principles, which underpin all its activities:
- Integrity – Acting honestly, responsibly, and in good faith at all times
- Transparency – Ensuring openness in objectives, representation of interests, and institutional engagement
- Independence – Maintaining autonomy of judgment and avoiding undue influence
- Accountability – Taking responsibility for actions and representations made on behalf of the organisation
- Respect for EU Values – Upholding the principles of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and equality
- Non-Discrimination and Inclusion – Promoting fairness, diversity, and equal opportunity
3. Transparency and Representation of Interests
EUWBBC is committed to:
- Accurately representing its mission, objectives, and interests
- Engaging with EU institutions and stakeholders in a transparent and responsible manner
- Avoiding any misleading, incomplete, or deceptive representation of interests
- Acting in alignment with the EU Transparency Register Code of Conduct
4. Conflicts of Interest
EUWBBC recognises the importance of identifying and appropriately managing conflicts of interest.
The organisation and its representatives commit to:
- Acting in the best interest of EUWBBC’s mission and objectives
- Avoiding situations where personal, professional, or financial interests could improperly influence decision-making
- Managing conflicts of interest in a transparent and proportionate manner
5. Confidentiality and Data Protection
EUWBBC respects the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of its activities and commits to:
- Handling sensitive or non-public information responsibly
- Complying with applicable EU and national data protection laws, including the GDPR
- Ensuring that personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and securely
6. Anti-Corruption and Proper Conduct
EUWBBC maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and improper influence.
The organisation and its representatives shall:
- Not offer, promise, solicit, or accept any undue advantage or inducement
- Refrain from any activity that could be perceived as attempting to exert improper influence
- Conduct all engagements with professionalism, fairness, and respect
7. Commitment to Continuous Improvement
This Code of Ethics reflects EUWBBC’s commitment to ethical conduct as a living set of principles.
As the organisation evolves, EUWBBC will periodically review and, where appropriate, update this Code to ensure continued alignment with best practices, EU standards, and its institutional mission.
8. Public Commitment
By adopting this Code of Ethics, EUWBBC publicly affirms its dedication to ethical conduct, responsible engagement, and the promotion of trust in all its activities at EU and regional level.
For questions regarding this Code of Ethics, please contact EUWBBC
The EU – Western Balkans Business Council (EUWBBC) is an independent, Brussels-based association that supports companies and institutions engaged in – or interested in – economic cooperation between Western Balkans and the EU.