91998E0834

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0834/98

by Francisca Sauquillo Pérez del Arco (PSE) to the Council

(31 March 1998)

Subject: Recognition of the Spanish qualification "ingeniero tecnico" (technical engineer) for the purposes of eligibility for A/LA category posts in the European civil service

The differences in the national education systems lead to cases of discrimination between nationals of the Member States as regards eligibility for A/LA category posts in the European civil service, a problem which affects Spanish technical engineers in particular.

Does the Council consider that the recognition of higher education qualifications should be harmonized so as to avoid discrimination as regards eligibility for A/LA posts in the European civil service?

Is the Council aware of the discrimination affecting Spanish technical engineers, who are excluded from taking part in competitions for these posts because their qualification is described as an "academic diploma", although in practice there is no difference in the vocational training involved?

Reply

(3 November 1998)

The Council manages its recruitment policy in accordance with the provisions of the Staff Regulations (in particular Article 27) which specify that the recruitment system must secure "for the institution the services of officials of the highest standard of ability, efficiency and integrity, ...". In doing so it avoids any discrimination and takes into account the different educational systems in the Member States.

The Council requires candidates in category A/LA competitions to hold a degree or equivalent diploma. Moreover, notices of competitions contain "a guide for candidates" which, in the section dealing with education, states that the level of studies completed by the candidate is checked and assessed by the selection board and, where necessary, by specialists in the education system of the candidate's country. The procedures ensure that all candidates from all Member States are treated in the same way with regard to participation in Council category A/LA competitions.

In the light of the provisions and criteria referred to above, the appointing authority (within the meaning of Article 2 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities) does not consider that the Spanish diploma "ingeniero técnico" is sufficient at present to qualify its holders to take part in Council competitions for A/LA posts.