WRITTEN QUESTION E-2108/00 by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Reforming the Commission.
Date: 2000-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European official, disciplinary proceedings

C 103 E/64

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.4.2001

The matter is now being discussed by the Intergovernmental Conference. As stated in the report by the
Presidency to the Feira European Council, delegations remain divided on whether or not a formal
procedure should be included in the Treaty (3).

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to the answer to his Written Question
E-1348/00 (4).

(1) Adapting the Institutions to make a success of enlargement. Commission Opinion in accordance with Article 48 of

the Treaty on European Union (COM(2000) 34.

(2) Resolution A5-0086/2000.
(3) Report by the Presidency on the Intergovernmental Conference on Institutional Reform (Confer 4750/00, 14 June

2000).

(4) OJ C 89 E, 20.3.2001, p. 29.

(2001/C 103 E/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2108/00

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: Reforming the Commission

Paragraph 55 of the Van Hulten report calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive reform of
human resources policy, including the introduction of a significant independent external element to the
disciplinary procedure.

What does the Commission plan in response to the recommendation for this external element?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(20 September 2000)

The Commission(cid:146)s plans for reform of rules on disciplinary proceedings are set out in the White Paper
(cid:145)Reforming the Commission(cid:146) (1) adopted on March 1st.

The document identifies shortcomings in the present system which include the fact that it is (cid:145)based around
a disciplinary board that varies in composition and is purely internal(cid:146). The introduction of an independent
external element could contribute to remedying such shortcomings and enhancing consistency and
professionalism in the conduct of disciplinary proceedings.

A consultative document on reform of the discipline system, and the adoption by the Commission of a
draft decision on administrative improvements to disciplinary proceedings, are scheduled in the Reform
Action Plan (published with the White Paper) for October 2000. The consultative document will include
proposals for improving procedures and making relevant amendments to the Staff Regulations.

Meanwhile, the nomination of people who are not serving officials to serve as chairpersons of the
disciplinary board is, together with related matters, under consideration. Under the present Staff Regula-
tions that is the only way to introduce an independent external element into disciplinary proceedings
because the provisions of Article 5 of Annex II of the Regulations require that the members of the board
must be serving officials.

Further to that, the Honourable Member will have noted that the intention to propose the establishment of
an inter-institutional Disciplinary Board was set out in the White Paper. That proposal will be included in
the forthcoming consultative document with the purpose of increasing the continuity and consistency of
the Board by ensuring that it will be composed of a single group of officials, for all cases, who are chosen
for a period of office of up to three years, and come from the administrations and from staff
representation.

(1) COM(2000) 200 final.