On 9 August 1952, the French daily newspaper Le Monde comments the appointment of the first nine members of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

Excerpt from the speech delivered by Jean Monnet at the inauguration of the ECSC High Authority in Luxembourg. The Members of the institution pledge solemnly to perform their duties with complete independence.

On 21 June 1968, a Member of the European Parliament asks the Commission whether the participation by Members of the Commission in national election campaigns is compatible with the principle of independence.

In his editorial in the 12–13 January 1981 edition, Emanuele Gazzo, Director of Agence Europe, criticises the British Government for its mistaken view that the primary task of the British Commissioner is to defend the interests of his Government. At the same time, he congratulates the new President of the European Commission, Gaston Thorn, for his speech about the principle of an independent collegiate body.

At its first meeting on 18 September 1999, the Prodi Commission adopted a code of conduct for Commissioners.

At its first meeting on 18 September 1999, the Prodi Commission adoptes a code of conduct governing relations between the Commissioners and their departments.

In April 2004, Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Education and Culture since 16 September 1999, grants an interview to the Luxembourg newspaper Le Quotidien in which she provides an enthusiastic explanation of her profession.

At its first meeting on 24 November 2004, the Barroso Commission adopted a code of conduct for Commissioners.