EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/720

(2004/C 88 E/0740)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1000/04

by Michiel van Hulten (PSE) to the Commission

(24 March 2004)

Subject: Publication by Commissioner Bolkestein of a book entitled ‘De grenzen van Europa’

On Wednesday 10 March 2004, Commissioner Bolkestein published a book entitled ‘De grenzen van Europa’ (‘The Frontiers of Europe’). On 7 March 2004, Commissioner Bolkestein told the Dutch TV Programme ‘Buitenhof’ that the drafting and finalisation [of his text] had been extremely time-consuming and that, if he had not been able to call on the services of various secretaries speaking various languages in his Private Office and on those of the Commission's Translation Service, he would never have managed it.

1. Did Commissioner Bolkestein inform the President of the European Commission in advance that he was about to publish a book, as required by the Code of Conduct for European Commissioners? If so, when?

2. Did he indicate the charity to which any profits from sales of his book were to go, as required by the Code of Conduct? If so, when, and which charity was nominated?

3. Did Commissioner Bolkestein really use the services of the European Commission for the drafting and translation of (parts of) his book? If so, what was the precise nature of the support given, and what was the cost thereof?

4. Has the Commission ensured that the cost of the work undertaken by Commission officials in Commissioner Bolkestein's Private Office and in the Translation Service is deducted from the amount to be devoted to charity, or, should the book not make a profit, charged directly to Commissioner Bolkestein?

5. In general, does the Commission feel that Commissioners are entitled to use the Commission's services when writing books or undertaking other activities which are not directly connected with their portfolios?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 2004)

The book ‘The Frontiers of Europe’ was prepared and published in accordance with the code of conduct for the Members of the Commission. Mr Bolkestein, Member of the Commission informed the President of his intention to publish it on 3 February 2004. Royalties from this book drafted as part of the exercise of his duties will be paid to a charitable organisation of his choice. Discretion, Mr Bolkestein feels, dictates that it is not appropriate to disclose the name of the beneficiary organisation.

The book is an integral part of his work as a Member of the Commission and is intended to stimulate debate on European themes, such as European integration and the future of Europe. In addition, the aim of the book is to draw the attention of European citizens to the elections to the European Parliament, thereby boosting the turnout. It should be emphasised that the preparation of the book never interfered with other tasks linked to his duties as a Member of the Commission.

Technical support given by Commission departments to Mr Bolkstein to draft his book was a routine task in assisting a Commissioner carry out his duties. Moreover, the services provided never hindered the departments in question in the other duties incumbent on them.