Article 9

The Ombudsman shall perform his duties with complete independence, in the general interest of the Communities and of the ciitzens of the Union. In the performance of his duties he shall neither seek nor accept instructions from any government or other body. He shall refrain from any act incompatible with the nature of his duties.

When taking up his duties, the Ombudsman shall give a solemn undertaking before the Court of Justice of the European Communities that he will perform his duties with complete independence and impartiality and that during and after his term of office he will respect the obligations arising therefrom, in particular his duty to behalve with integrety and discretion as regards the acceptance, after he has ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits.