92000E0134

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0134/00

by Joost Lagendijk (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(20 January 2000)

Subject: Influencing of staff of DG XX (Financial Control) during inquiries by the European Court of Auditors

The web page of Renouveau & Democratie includes the following questions to the Commission:

- Is it true that prior to checks by the European Court of Auditors on the DG for Financial Control the management of the DG distributes a list of possible questions and suggested answers?

- Is it true that staff are asked to report to management on the substance of the talks they have with the Court of Auditors?

If the answers are in the affirmative can the Commission answer these questions:

- what were the standard questions and suggested answers?

- does the Commission agree that this procedure is an impediment to proper checks by the Court of Auditors since it is impossible for staff to answer entirely freely?

- what action does the Commission intend to take in response to this procedure, and when?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2000)

The list of questions which was distributed was not possible questions but, at the request of the Court of Auditors, a questionnaire prepared by the audit team of the Court of Auditors. Also, what was put on the Intranet of DG Financial Control to be used as a basis for obtaining information were not suggested answers but the answers to the same questionnaire by a unit of DG Financial Control.

Yes, the staff is required to report to management the substance of the talks they have with the Court of Auditors.

The Commission must preserve the confidentiality of the work of the Court of Auditors.

No, because the staff had and has both the duty to answer fully the requests or questions presented by the Court of Auditors and the freedom to express their opinion to the Court of Auditors in writing or orally.

No action is required.