Because the implicated commissioners refused to resign and the President of the European Commission did not have the power to dismiss individual commissioners, Santer and his entire commission resigned on 15 March 1999, the very day of the report's publication (see Santer Commission: Resignation).
Kuna asjasse seotud volinikud keeldusid tagasi astumast ning Euroopa Komisjoni presidendil ei olnud ka võimu üksikuid volinikke tagandada, astusid Santer ning kogu tema komisjon raporti avaldamise päeval, 1999. aasta 15. märtsil, tagasi.