Barroso and Goldman Sachs: has the EU regulatory state yielded to big business interests?

The appointment of former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso as an adviser at Goldman Sachs has generated criticism in recent weeks, with some observers arguing that it represents a clear conflict of interest. Luís de Sousa writes that Barroso’s appointment highlights the need for more effective conflict of interest standards and clearance procedures for Commissioners, and that failure to establish these standards could undermine public confidence in the EU’s institutions.