WRITTEN QUESTION E-3253/98

by Maren Günther (PPE) to the Commission

(28 October 1998)

Subject: Commission competition 1998

The Commission competition (concours) held in September at 37 locations in all 15 Member States was cancelled after a number of instances of fraud were discovered.

This incident raises a number of questions:

1. What is the Commission's estimate of the cost to the European taxpayer of repeating the competition?

2. How does the Commission assess the legal situation with regard to any claims for compensation which may be submitted by candidates, some of whom travelled long distances to take part in the competition?

3. What disciplinary measures will the Commission take?

Joint answer

to Written Questions P-2922/98, P-2974/98, E-3053/98, E-3079/98,P-3101/98, P-3106/98, P-3136/98 and E-3253/98 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 1998)

On the basis of sufficient evidence that leaks may have occurred in the case of one of the preselection tests in at least one of the languages of the competition, the Commission decided to cancel the preselection tests for COM/A/8 - COM/A/12 held on 14 September 1998.

In order to ensure that all candidates are treated equally, fresh preselection tests will be organised as soon as possible early in 1999. The cost of the cancelled tests is ECU 1,2 million.

An investigation was launched immediately to trace the source of the leak. In addition, anyone who is found responsible for behaviour detrimental to the Commission will have to make amends. Following the initial findings of the investigation the Commission referred the matter to the Brussels courts.

21 688 candidates of the 30 342 enrolled attended the pre-selection tests. A letter notifying them of the cancellation and organisation of fresh tests early in 1999 was sent to all 30 342 candidates previously admitted to the tests.

The Commission is aware of a number of problems in at least two test centres on 14 September 1998 and has decided to tighten up the management and the rules and discipline to be observed by the candidates. They will receive a fresh letter inviting them to attend, and fresh written and oral instructions will be issued.

The Commission is fully aware of the disturbing effect of cancelling the preselection tests for the candidates themselves, and for the smooth progress of competitions in general. In the above circumstances, however, there was no other way of treating all candidates equally. The Commission deeply regrets the problems occasioned candidates who approached the competition seriously and in good faith.

The Commission is asked whether it will reimburse the travel expenses of certain candidates who had come from far to sit the tests, especially, from countries outside the European Union. The Commission is currently looking into the possibility of taking certain measures under the existing rules.

The Commission is also asked whether it has cancelled tests on previous occasions. The competition for promotion from C to B (COM/B/18/96) on 26 June 1997 had to be cancelled on account of leaks noted during the written tests. Following an administrative inquiry concerning the circumstances of the leak on 25 July 1997, disciplinary proceedings against an official were opened. The proceedings have been completed and the appointing authority has decided to remove the official from his post.

The Honourable Members are asked to refer to the Commission's answer to oral question H-910/98 by Mr Kristoffersen during question time at Parliament's October I 1998 part-session.