91998E3079

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3079/98

by Ursula Stenzel (PPE) to the Commission

(9 October 1998)

Subject: Selection procedure

Following requests by Mr Caccavale, Member of the European Parliament, and at the suggestion of Mr Liikanen, the EU Commissioner responsible for staff matters, the Commission has decided to halt the competition begun on 14 September. Approximately 30 000 candidates in 38 EU centres took this competition. The first test in the competition was annulled on the ground of numerous irregularities which have already been acknowledged by Commissioner Liikanen.

Some of the candidates who sat this competition have incurred heavy expenditure because, for the first time, the Commission has not reimbursed candidates' travelling and lodging expenses.

Can the Commission say whether candidates will be reimbursed for these expenses when they resit the test?

What specific action will the Commission take to ensure that such irregularities cannot recur in the future?

What measures will the Commission take to prevent candidates proved to have cheated from taking part in any further competitions?

According to the Commission the cost of the annulled competition amounted to approximately ECU 1,2 million. Can the Commission also state who in its administration bears the responsibility for this affair and how the additional costs are being funded?

Will there be any consequences for staff in the wake of these incidents, and can the Commission say in general what steps are now being taken to improve its negative image over staff matters as the result of this affair?