WRITTEN QUESTION E-2740/98

by Ana Palacio Vallelersundi (PPE) to the Commission

(3 September 1998)

Subject: Applications from holders of the Spanish "Ingeniero Técnico" qualification for open competitions for category A/LA posts in the European civil service

- In his answer of 10 February 1998 to Written Question E-4186/97(1) by Mrs Bárbara Dührkop, Commissioner Liikanen stated that the Commission admits holders of German diplomas issued after the minimum compulsory period of eight semesters to category A/LA posts in the European civil service;

- In its defence against the action for annulment brought by Mr Vicente Alonso Morales (T-299/97, paragraph 33), the Commission declared that holders of the German "Fachhochschuldiplom" issued after eight semesters of study are admitted to category A/LA posts;

- The notice of open competition COM/A/1047 published in OJ C 145, 13.5.1997 (page 12) stipulates that periods of training count as professional experience.

Bearing in mind the above-mentioned facts, why does the Commission admit holders of the German "Fachhochschuldiplom" to category A/LA posts in the European civil service, given that the the said qualification consists of a maximum of six semesters of study, together with a placement with an undertaking for one or two semesters as professional experience?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(28 September 1998)

The Commission's position regarding Fachhochschulen is based on the German Hochschulrahmengesetz, a framework law from 1976 governing "Universitäten, Pädagogische Hoschschulen, Kunsthochschulen, Fachhochschulen". The law defines a Hochschulabschluß as a "higher education qualification within the meaning of this law". Within the German education system, the structure of Fachhochschule studies varies from one establishment to another. Some award diplomas after eight semesters, including two practical semesters as part of the structure of the academic course. These cannot be counted as "professional experience" because students must complete both periods to qualify for the eight-semester diploma.

For category A candidates, the Commission will accept any German university-level diploma covered by the Hochschulrahmengesetz, provided one of the conditions for obtaining it is a minimum study period (Regelstudienzeit) of eight semesters (four years).

Bearing in mind the relevant Spanish provisions, the Commission does not consider the Spanish Ingeniero Técnico diploma to be a sufficient qualification for admission to a category A/LA competition as it is awarded after only three academic years study.

The Commission is unable to reply to the Honourable Member's comment regarding Case T-299/97, as the case is still sub judice.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to replies to the following recent parliamentary questions on this matter: question E-997/98 by Ms Esteban Martin(2), question E-835/98 by Ms Sauquillo Perez del Arco(3), and questions E-640/98 and E-635/98 by Mr Hernandez Mollar(4). In these answers, the Commission has provided ample information on its overall approach regarding qualifications and admission to category A/LA posts in the European civil service, and regarding Spanish technical-engineering qualifications in particular.

(1) OJ C 304, 2.10.1998, p. 15.

(2) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998, p. 69.

(3) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998, p. 29.

(4) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998.