Minister Kristian Vigenin brings into effecta Code of Conduct for members of the Diplomatic Service
06 August 2013 News
As of today, a professional Code of Conduct is in effect for employees of the Diplomatic Service. Approval of such a code is envisagedin the Diplomatic Service Act. It includes rules of professional conduct forall employees of the Ministry and establishes a high standard ofcriteria for interactionwith citizens, institutions and non-governmental organisations in Bulgaria and abroad.
The new code provides for measures to combat corruption, against anypossible conflict of interest and personal gain. Employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maynot accept gifts, services, money, benefits or other inducements that may affect the performance of their dutiesortheir decisions or that violate their professional approach to specific issues. The coming into effect of the code means that employees shall not allow violation of personal rights, and must not engage in discrimination based on sex, race, nationality, ethnic origin, citizenship, origin, religion, political affiliation or any other grounds established by law or any international agreement to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party.
When dealing with the public,employees should be respectful and perform their duties impartially and without bias. There is a clear distinction betweenthe official status of employees of the Ministry, their right to express their position in certain situations and with express permission inthe name of the institution. The code was drafted drawing on establishedpractice and the existing framework of international organizations and other diplomatic services. Adoption of the Professional Code of Conduct shall not be grounds for disciplinary liability of employees nor impose limits ontheir personal livesand their right to free expression.