91997E2522

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2522/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Grading of newly-recruited Commission officials by group and step

Given the lack of transparency regarding the method by which the Commission grades newly-recruited officials by group and step, will it say:

1. which criteria are used for grading newly-recruited officials in the Commission?

2. given the vagueness of the rules governing conditions of service on this matter, which documents or publications explain in detail how officials are graded by group and step and whether the public and, above all, those immediately concerned, have free access to these documents?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

The appointing authority takes its decision on classification by grade and step after consultation of the Joint Committee on Grading.

This Committee operates in accordance with criteria applicable since October 1983 and adjusted on 7 February 1996.

A copy of the decision on the criteria applicable to classification by grade and step, which is handed out on request to officials and temporary staff when they take up their duties, is being sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

The Honourable Member is also being sent a copy of the regulation which makes certain exceptions for nationals of the new Member States.