EN EN 2008 BUDGETARY PROCEDURE Doc No: 4: (7) ******* 27.09.2007 COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS RAPPORTEURS : KYÖSTI VIRRANKOSKI - SECTION III (COMMISSION) VILLE ITÄLÄ - OTHER SECTIONS PARLIAMENT - 1 st READING Amendments submitted to the meeting of the Committee on Budgets of 1, 2 and 3 October 2007
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EN EN
2008 BUDGETARY PROCEDURE
Doc No:
4: (7)*******
27.09.2007
COMMITTEE ON BUDGETSRAPPORTEURS:
KYÖSTI VIRRANKOSKI - SECTION III (COMMISSION)VILLE ITÄLÄ - OTHER SECTIONS
PARLIAMENT - 1st READING
Amendments submitted to the meeting of theCommittee on Budgets of1, 2 and 3 October 2007
2
3
Draft amendment 2062 === BUDG/2062===
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:Add following text:
Establishment plan: Release from the reserve of the 448 upgradings for the Parliament's secretariat (permanent posts: 2 AD13 into AD14, 45 AD12 into AD13, 25 AD11 into AD12, 10 AD7 into AD8, 3 AD6 into AD7, 165 AD5 into AD6, 50 AST7 into AST8, 65 AST4 into AST5, 65 AST1 into AST2 and temporary posts: 1 AD12 into AD13, 2 AD10 into AD11, 1 AST2 into AST3, 2 AST1 into AST2, 12 AST1 into AST3).
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------
SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.Thisd measure was decided by the Bureau when the estimates were adopted. It is proposed to release the necessary upgradings to implement the Parliament's staff policy and the corresponding appropriation entered in the reserve.
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, rapporteur, on behalf of the Bureau >>
-------------------------------
SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
4
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:Add following text:
Establishment plan: 74 upgrading of the posts of the political groups (1 AS12 into AD13, 6 AD11 into AD12, 4 AD10 into AD11, 2 AD9 into AD10, 4 AD8 into AD9, 3 AD7 into AD8, 7 AD6 into AD7, 8 AD5 into AD6, 3 AST10 into AST11, 9 AST8 into AST9, 9 AST7 into AST8, 3 AST6 into AST7, 2 AST5 into AST6, 2 AST4 into AST5, 2 AST4 into AST5, 1 AST3 into AST4, 2 AST2 into AST3, 8 AST1 into AST2).
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
It is proposed to upgrade 74 temporary posts for the political groups=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2006 === BUDG/2006===
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, rapporteur, on behalf of the Bureau >>
-------------------------------
SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:Add following text:
Establishment plan: Creation of two posts AD16 for the new Directorate Generals on Interpretation and for Technological Innovation and Support.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------
5
SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
Following the decision to create two additional Directorates Generals on Interpretation and for Technological Innovation and Support, it is proposed to create the posts for the two Directors Generals.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.It is proposed to create five additional AD5 posts for setting up the Analytical Service within the Library.
Justification:The Bureau has identified the dialogue between cultures and religions as one of the priorities in the Parliament's relations with the Mediterranean and the Middle East countries, with 2008 announced as 'year of intercultural dialogue'. One extra AD post is necessary in the policy department to deal in a competent and timely manner with increased number of requests for briefings, background notes and speeches as well as with organisation of the Parliament's activities in this field.
Justification:One extra AD post for AFET is necessary, due to Parliament's new democratic scrutiny powers on the external assistance instruments. Four working groups have been established to deal with the definition of strategic priorities and the implementation of ENPI, IPA, Stability Instrument (+ EIDHR with DROI) as well as their mid-term reviews. It is also essential for AFET secretariat to follow the implementation of DCI covering countries of major strategic importance for AFET.
Justification:One AST 3 posts is requested for the secretariat of the Development Committee in addition to the additional AD post that is already included in the staff package proposed by the EP Bureau.The Development Cooperation Instrument has given birth to an intense scrutiny process (regular meetings of four working groups, examination of about 75 strategy papers, generation of Rule 81 resolutions for plenary). Workload will not diminish, as the strategy papers will be followed each year by similar number of Annual Action Programmes. An additional working group for the scrutiny of humanitarian aid decisions is in the process of being established.
The DEVE secretariat is also the secretariat of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA). Since the coming into force of the Cotonou Agreement, JPA work expanded considerably (three standing committees, new responsibilities for JPA Vice-Presidents in human rights, in finance and in contacts to civil society, increasing popularity of JPA meetings (visitors, guest speakers (incl. heads of states and governments)).Cotonou Agreement obliges to start holding regional assemblies, which is planned from 2008. In the Implementing Rules of the 10th EDF, Council has agreed that the JPA also receives the Country Strategy Papers for the 78 ACP States and the ACP regions, which have to be scrutinized from the next months on. January 2008, six Economic Partnership Agreements will enter into force. Each of these requires a parliamentary follow up. Implementation of EPAs will not be without difficulties and will require considerable administrative support.
The DEVE secretariat has seen a high increase in the burden for organisation and management of meetings and increase is continuing. Urgently additional administrative manpower is needed in order to be able to fulfil Members' expectations and the political needs.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
This measure was decided by the Bureau when the estimates were adopted. It is proposed to release from the reserve the 16 posts and their corresponding appropriation.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
This measure was decided by the Bureau when the estimates were adopted. It is proposed to release the corresponding appropriation entered in the reserve regarding the conversion of 35 AST posts into AD5 posts .
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
It is proposed to give one ad personam promotion from AD14 into AD15 for a long service official.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2007 === BUDG/2007===
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, rapporteur, on behalf of the Bureau >>
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:
11
Add following text:
Establishment plan: Conversion of 25 AST6 into AD5, conversion of 1AST1 into AD5 (tabling office), and regrading measures of 23 permanent posts in Parliament's secretariat (2AD12 into AD15, 11 AD12 into AD7, 4 AST11 into AST3, 3AST11 into AST1 and 3 AST6 into AST1).
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.It is proposed to update the structure of the Parliament's secretariat in order to properly conduct the redeployment policy.
Heading:EXtra Costs, Ending with establishmentof a Single SEAT (EXCESS)
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to finance the extra cost for the European Parliament resulting from the absence of a single seat.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Since the Heads of State and Government refuse to agree to a single seat for the European Parliament, the Council budget should in principle assume the extra cost, estimated at around EUR 205 million. The amounts in reserve in the EP budget are for illustrative purposes, to give a rough theoretical approximation of the impact on different budget lines of the European Parliament budget. The aim of the amendment is to create a pm line for Council. The reserve for Parliament's budget should not be adopted in plenary.
Heading:Expenditure on providing more information to the citizens about the work of MEPs
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to finance one four-sided news-sheet per year, the content to be chosen by each MEP individually, to be printed and mailed to all their constituents.
Legal basis:
15
Reference acts:Justification:Members of the House of Representatives in Washington DC are entitled to four free newspapers each year which are printed and mailed free of charge to everyone of their constituents.
One free newspaper per year from each MEP to each citizen would be a good beginning towards informing citizens of the wonderful work that each of us does on their behalf and towards encouraging citizens to develop a stronger two-way relationship with us and to vote in European elections.
Heading:Expenditure on providing more information to the citizens about the work of MEPs
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to finance one four-sided news-sheet per year, the content to be chosen by each MEP individually, to be printed and mailed to all their constituents.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Members of the House of Representatives in Washington DC are entitled to four free newspapers each year which are printed and mailed free of charge to everyone of their constituents.One free newspaper per year from each MEP to each citizen would be a good beginning towards informing citizens of the wonderful work that each of us does on their behalf and towards encouraging citizens to develop a stronger two-way relationship with us and to vote in European elections.
This appropriation is intended to cover the costs of compensation of the carbon emissions attributable to MEPs' travels.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:As climate change is one of the top priorities on the European agenda, European Parliament and its Members have a duty to ensure that our activities are as carbon neutral as possible.
Remarks:Before paragraphStaff Regulations of officials of the European Communities.
17
Add following text:
Establishment plan: Creation of one AD 5 post to be assigned to the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit to cover the position of "disability coordinator".
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:It is necessary to provide the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit with permanent and qualified expertise in the field of disability. This request is is in line with and aims at implementing the conclusions of the report on equal opportunities in the EP Secretariat adopted by the Bureau on 29 November 2006, the Statement of Principles on the promotion of equality and diversity in the EP Secretariat adopted by the Bureau on 13 November 2006, and Parliament's resolution of 24 April 2007 on 2005 discharge.
Remarks:Before paragraphStaff Regulations of officials of the European Communities.
Add following text:
Establishment plan: Creation of 6 temporary posts, 4 AD 5 and 2 AST 1, for the recruitment of persons with disabilities in the EP Secretariat.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The Code of Good Practice for the Employment of Peoples with Disabilities, adopted by the EP Bureau on 22 June 2005, states that "positive action shall be taken in the field of administrative 'stagiaire' recruitment as well as at the level of interim or temporary contracts". It would now be a natural development to extend positive action for persons with a disability to temporary employment in the institution. This would contribute to increasing the participation of disabled persons in the EP working environment.
The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 1 500 000.
Add following text:
Establishment plan: introduction of 5 AD posts for the Library in reserve
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Before creating five additional AD posts for setting up the Analytical Service within the Library, expects to receive, as stated in the EP Resolution of 29 March 2007 on the guidelines for the 2008 budget procedure, relevant proposals with cost estimations on the "... possibilities for the extension of the facilities provided to Members by the Library by its providing (....) an extensive single document and information repository of all existing texts and expertise (Knowledge Management System); (...) which also include the possibility of publishing the answers to such queries on the Parliament's Intranet (...)". In the main time decided to introduce 5 AD posts and the corresponding amount in reserve.
Budget reference line : 1 2 0 0<< Tabled by Louis Grech, Catherine Guy-Quint, Vladimír Maňka, Ralf Walter, Socialist Group in the European Parliament >>
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend remarks and figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Establishment plan: introduction of 5 AD posts for the Library in reserve
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Before creating five additional AD posts for setting up the Analytical Service within the Library, expects to receive, as stated in the EP Resolution of 29 March 2007 on the guidelines for the 2008 budget procedure, relevant proposals with cost estimations on the "... possibilities for the extension of the facilities provided to Members by the Library by its providing (....) an extensive single document and information repository of all existing texts and expertise (Knowledge Management System); (...) which also include the possibility of publishing the answers to such queries on the Parliament's Intranet (...)". In the main time decided to introduce 5 AD posts and the corresponding amount in reserve.
Heading:Entitlements in connection with entering the service, transfer and leaving the service
Remarks:After paragraphConditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities.
Amend text as follows:
20
This appropriation is intended to cover:— travel expenses due to officials and temporary staff (including their families) entering or leaving the service
or being transferred to another place of employment,— installation/resettlement allowances and removal expenses due to officials and temporary staff obliged to
change their place of residence on taking up duty, on transfer to a new place of employment and on finally leaving the institution and resettling elsewhere,
— daily subsistence allowance for officials and temporary staff who furnish evidence that they must change their place of residence on taking up duty or transferring to a new place of employment,
— the compensation for a probationary official who is dismissed because his work is obviously inadequate,— compensation for a member of the temporary staff whose contract is terminated by the institution,— the difference between the contributions paid by contractauxiliary staff to a Member State pension scheme
and those payable to the Community scheme in the event of reclassification of a contract.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.To provide clarification in the light of the new Staff Regulations of Officials.
Heading:Creation of one AD5 post to cover the position of “disability coordinator”
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of creation of one AD5 post to be assigned to the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit to cover the position of “disability coordinator”.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
21
Justification:It is necessary to provide the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit with permanent and qualified expertise in the field of disability. This request is in line with and aims at implementing the conclusions of the report on equal opportunities in the EP Secretariat adopted by the Bureau on 29 November 2006, the Statement of Principles on the promotion of equality and diversity in the EP Secretariat adopted by the Bureau on 13 November 2006, and EP resolution on 24 April 2005 on 2005 discharge.
Heading:Recruitment of persons with disabilities in the EP Secretariat
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of creation of six temporary posts, four AD5 and 2 AST1, for the recruitment of persons with disabilities in the EP Secretariat.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The Code of Good Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities of 22 June 2005, states that “positive action shall be taken in the field of administrative ‘stagiaire’ recruitment as well as at the level of interim or temporary contracts.” The need for positive action for recruitment of disabled staff was emphasised in the EP resolution of 24 April 2007 on 2005 discharge. A natural development of the ‘disabled stagiaires’ scheme would be to extend it to recruitment of disabled temporary agents.
Justification:In view of strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, the Parliament's Administration has signed an agreement delegating the implementation of expenditure on early retirement schemes in respect of its staff under Articles 41 and 50 of the Staff Regulations to the Paymaster's Office (PMO) of the Commission. As the practical arrangements for implementing the agreement had not been finalised at the time of the adoption of the budgetary estimates, the rapporteurs propose to enter the relevant appropriations into the Parliament's budget in order to preserve the institution's autonomy in applying Articles 41 and 50 of the Staff Regulations.
Justification:The budget lines above have an important rate of unused appropriation at the end of the year and contribute to increase the volume of the mopping-up transfer. In order to limit this practice, as outlined in the guidelines' resolution (par. 27) and the estimates' resolution (para. 7), the rapporteur proposes to proceed to a reduction of 2%.
Remarks:After paragraphConditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities.
Amend text as follows:This appropriation is mainly intended to cover the following:— the remuneration, including allocations and allowances,remuneration of other staff including contract and
local staff and special advisers (within the meaning of the Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities), employer's contributions to the various social security schemes and the impact of salary weightings applicable to the remuneration of these staff,
— fees of medical and paramedical staff paid under the arrangements for the provision of services and, in special cases, the employment of temporary agency staff.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
Transfer of expenditure on medical service providers from Item 1400 to Item 1650.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2058 === BUDG/2058===
Budget reference line : 1 4 0 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
-------------------------------
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SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 4 0 2 Conference interpreters
Amend figures as follows:1 4 0 2 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Item 3 0 4 4 Miscellaneous expenditure on the organisation of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO and other interparliamentary, ad hoc and WTO delegation meetings
Amend figures as follows:3 0 4 4 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:To encourage the administration to set up a budget based on real and justified needs, the rapporteur proposes to apply a horizontal cut of 1% on all running-cost lines.
Justification:In order to enhance the linguistic support offered to Members, it is proposed to launch a pilot project. The pilot project will provide, for specific meetings such as coordinators meetings or meetings organised by rapporteurs or shadow rapporteurs, the opportunity to get individual linguistic support. The Bureau is invited to define the rules. As the pilot project will need some time before starting, the rapporteur proposes to allocate an amount of EUR 4 000 000 for its first year.
Decides to introduce in reserve part of the additional appropriation allocated to the Sub-Item 1402-01, for the pilot project aiming to provide additional interpretation facilities for Members. As stated in the EP Resolution of 7 June 2007 on Parliament's estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2008, priority should be given to more efficient linguistic support for Members at official meetings of Parliament bodies in order to prevent any shortcomings. Members should be treated fairly, irrespective of their native language
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.It is proposed to offer further flexibility to bodies and Members as regards linguistic facilities. To that end a pilot project will be launched in 2008 to provide new interpreting services, with a limited number of languages, to Members (e.g. in particular, committee chairmen, coordinators, rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs) in order to facilitate the opinion building, compromise findings and negotiations the legislative and budgetary procedures A detailed note on the additional interpretation procedures would be forwarded to the Working Party on reform of the European Parliament.
Decision 2002/620/EC of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, ..........Communities Personnel Selection Office (OJ L 197, 26.7.2002, p. 56). Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover:— expenditure on organising the competitions provided for in Article 3 of Decision 2002/621/EC and travel
and subsistence expenses for applicants called for interviews and medical examinations,— the costs of organising procedures for selecting temporary and contract staff.
After paragraph
In cases duly justified by operating requirements, and after consulting ..........used for competitions organised by the institution on its own. Delete following text:
The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) to (j) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
To simplify the remark and take account of the fact that there is no assigned revenue against this item.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2028 === BUDG/2028===
Budget reference line : 1 6 5 0<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, rapporteur, on behalf of the Bureau >>
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SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 1 6 5 0 Medical service
Amend remarks as follows:1 6 5 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to cover the operating costs of ..........by outside medical specialists deemed necessary by the medical officers. Amend text as follows:
32
It also covers expenditure involving the purchase of certain work tools deemed necessary on medical grounds, together with expenditure on medical or paramedical staff under service provision arrangements or on short-term stand-in assignment.grounds.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
Transfer of expenditure on medical service providers from Item 1400 to Item 1650.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2009 === BUDG/2009===
Budget reference line : 10 4<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, rapporteur, on behalf of the Bureau >>
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 10 4 RESERVE FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION POLICY
Amend figures as follows:10 4 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
It is proposed to enter an amount of € 500 000 in the reserve for information and communication policy (Chapter 10 4) in order to make possible the organisation of two further sessions of "Citizen Agora" in 2008.
It is proposed to enter an amount of EUR 300 000 in view to finance the second period of “Citizen Agora”. The amount will be released after the assessment of the first trial period and the decision of the Bureau to proceed.
Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
It is proposed to create a reserve of € 45 million for the potential purchase of buildings in 2008.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2045 === BUDG/2045===
Budget reference line : 10 5<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
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SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 10 5 PROVISIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR BUILDINGS
Amend remarks and figures as follows:10 5 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Remarks:Amend text as follows:This appropriation is intended to cover property investments and fitting-out works made by the institution.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Due to the future constrains on Parliament’s budget, it is important that this reserve may also be accessible for all kind of expenses on buildings, including the fitting-out of the Sports Centre, and not only for property investment.
Justification:Next year is the European Year of Intercultural dialogue. The EP needs to have a specific fund allocated to performing its own activities in order to promote the ideals of this year.
This issue was prioritised by President Pottering in his inauguration speech.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2024 === BUDG/2024===
Budget reference line : 10 1<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, rapporteur, on behalf of the Bureau >>
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 10 1 CONTINGENCY RESERVE
Amend figures as follows:10 1 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure resulting from budgetary ..........course of the financial year (expenditure that cannot be estimated). Add following text:
The appropriation will be released from the reserve once insurance is given to political groups that they will be involved in an appropriate manner in the supervising board and editorial board of the WebTV project and that specific channels are available for political groups, enabling them to master their own information.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Chapter 10 4 RESERVE FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION POLICY
Amend figures as follows:10 4 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Members and political groups should be able to use WebTV as an information tool to inform the European citizens on the decisions taken by their representatives. To do so, the political groups have to be involved at every step of the implementation of the Web TV and be able to master their own information through specific channels. The WebTV project has been delayed and will not start before spring 2008, therefore the appropriation can be reduced by EUR 1 million.
Justification:An amount of 10 000 000 placed in the contingency reserve is estimated to be sufficient to cover the unforeseen events of the year including the appropriation for the European Political Foundation.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.It is proposed to transfer the appropriation earmarked for Web TV from Chapter 10 1 ("Contingency appropriation") to Chapter 10 4 ("reserve for information and communication").
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.It is proposed to give the appropriate resources to make possible the rent of additional offices in Brussels (Wiertz building).
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
New IT rooms will be rented in Luxembourg. It is proposed to revise the appropriation earmarked for this purpose under item 2000 ("Rent") and to provide the other funds needed in 2008.
It was requested on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2007 and on the guidelines for the 2008 budget that the agreement with the Commission on the management of acquisition of buildings including improvements, alterations and maintenance work, in the Information Houses in Member States, should be re-examined and reviewed, and that a principle of "paying according to use" should be put into place as no suitable answer has been given as yet it has decided that the amount of EUR 2 000 000 will be put into the reserve awaiting the conclusion of an agreement or the proposition of a solution that would ensure that Parliament's costs reflect the actual use of the Information Houses.
Justification:It was requested on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2007 and on the guidelines for the 2008 budget that the agreement with the Commission on the management of acquisition of buildings including improvements, alterations and maintenance work, in the Information Houses in Member States, should be re-examined and reviewed, and that a principle of "playing according to use" should be put into place. As no suitable answer has been given as yet it has been decided that the amount of EUR 2 000 000 will be put into the reserve awaiting the conclusion of an agreement or the proposition of a solution that would ensure that Parliament's costs reflect the actual use of the Information Houses.
Justification:An action on EMAS is still expected by the Parliament. The appropriations are put in reserve until the Action Plan including a cost-benefit analysis, an overview on the fitting-out work to be undertaken, needs in terms of staff and the timetable for the"EMAS actions" is presented (this has been already requested in the Estimates resolution). These appropriations could be released and adapted after the decisions of the competent bodies.
Justification:The number of projects foreseen next year have generated an increase of 72% compared to 2007 budget. It is proposed to reduce by EUR 3 000 000 the appropriation allocated. The administration is invited to prioritise the projects it intends to undertake and to assess the sectors where savings can be found by a better use of the means available and set a mid-term plan for the realisation of the projects.The fitting-out foreseen in view of the modernisation of the Sports Centre will be covered under Chapter 105.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau
42
Following the estimate produced by the architect regarding the fitting-out work to be done in two meeting rooms in Strasbourg (WIC 100 and WIC 200) in order to increase interpretation capacity, the result is that the appropriation earmarked for this project has to be reduced by € 250 000.
Justification:The European Parliament is a public institution and should therefore not become involved in commercial projects such as the extension of a privately run complex intended for the public.
Remarks:Before paragraphThe amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 10 000. Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover: — expenditure on buildings not specifically provided for in the other articles in this chapter, including
technical or architectural assistance in connection with studies and the preparation and monitoring of maintenance and other work in buildings,
43
— expenditure also on experts’ assistance based on Design for All and best practices in accessibility in connection with studies on adapting and extending the institution's buildings and with a disabled access audit, which has already been agreed,.
— public-utility service charges.
Legal basis:Add following text:
Directive 2004/17/EC pf the European Parliament and of the Council, 31st March 2004, coordinating the Procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectorsAdd following text:
Directive 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of Council of the of 31st March 2004, coordinating the procedures for the award of public works contracts, Public supply contracts and public service contracts.
Reference acts:Justification:‘Design for All’ is a process of proofing decision-making for the achievement of social inclusion. It is design for human diversity, social inclusion and equality. ‘Design for All’ aims to enable all people to have equal opportunities to participate in every aspect of society. To achieve this, the built environment, everyday objects, services, culture and information must be accessible, convenient for everyone in society to use and responsive to evolving human diversity.
Justification:The appropriation intends to cover the cost of cleaning and maintenance. Due to the delay in the handover of the D5 building it is proposed to reduce the allocation by EUR 1 million.
Budget reference line : 2 0 2 4<< Tabled by Salvador Garriga Polledo, László Surján, Valdis Dombrovskis, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats >>
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Item 2 0 2 4 Energy consumption
Amend remarks and figures as follows:2 0 2 4 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Remarks:After paragraphThe amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000. Add following text:
The amount of EUR 3 mio is put in reserve. This amount will be released upon presentation of proposals for the reduction of energy cost including the decrease in air-conditioning during summer time, as requested in the resolution on the Guidelines for the 2008 budget procedure ( par.37)
45
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Proposals for reducing energy consumption including the reduction of air-conditioning have been already requested in the Guidelines 2008 and in the 2006 budget procedure. Until now, no such report has been presented
Justification:In the guidelines resolution the Parliament asks for proposals for the rationalisation of the IT costs in the context of the amending letter. As no alternative proposal or justification has been made, a reduction of EUR 2 000 000 is proposed.
Justification:Given the fact that no proposal has been made in the context of the amending letter to rationalise the IT costs, and that 13 posts have been allocated in order to reduce the number of key functions in the hand of external staff, it is proposed to reduce the appropriation for outside assistance by EUR 2 000 000.
Heading:Outside assistance in connection with the operation, development and maintenance of software systems
Remarks:Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of outside assistance from service bureaux and data-processing consultants in connection with the operation of the data-processing centre and the network, the production and maintenance of applications, support for users, including Members and political groups, the carrying out of studies, and the drawing up and input of technical documentation. It is also intended to cover Parliament'sAdd following text:
share of the costs of the NAP payroll application help desk set up by common accord between the institutions.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
To amend the remark.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 4315 === BUDG/4315===
Budget reference line : 2 1 4<< Tabled by Vladimír Maňka, Ralf Walter, Committee on Budgets >>
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Article 2 1 4 Technical equipment and installations
Amend figures as follows:2 1 4 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:In it Resolution of 7 June 2007 on Parliament's estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2008, the European Parliament called on "the Secretary-General to report to the Committee on Budgets on the use of current VOIP technologies to reduce telephone costs ". So far no information has been received. Decide therefore to introduce part of the appropriation linked to telephone costs in reserve.
Justification:In its Resolution of 7 June 2007 on Parliament's estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2008, the European Parliament called on "the Secretary-General to report to the Committee on Budgets on the use of current VOIP technologies to reduce telephone costs". So far no information has been received. Decides therefore to introduce part of the appropriation linked to telephone costs in reserve.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau
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The budget appropriation of this year has made possible to revise downwards total appropriations required for 2008. It is proposed to delete the € 2 000 000 entered in reserve.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
The latest costs of the audiovisual equipment for the D5 building show that lower funding is required. It is therefore proposed to reduce the appropriation by € 2 900 000.
The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 175 000.
Amend text as follows:This appropriation is intended to cover the purchase, maintenance, use and repair of vehicles (fleet of cars and bicycles) and the hire of cars, taxis, coaches and lorries, with or without drivers, including the necessary
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insurance cover. When replacing the car fleet or purchasing or hiring vehicles, preference will be given to cars that are the least polluting for the environment, such as hybrid cars.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Reducing the carbon footprint of the Parliament.
Heading:Public Transport subscriptions and mobility management
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to co-finance public transport subscriptions on behalf of Parliaments' staff and Members in return for their EP parking sticker. It also serves to finance the establishment of a mobility management point in Parliaments buildings and the provision of time tables of trains, trams and busses inthe vicinity of the Parliament via Intranet (quick access).
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The aim of this amendment is to reduce Parliament's carbon footprint. Those who would still need to make occasional use of Parliament's garage would have to pay a fee (buy "day" stickers)
Budget reference line : 2 3 0<< Tabled by Salvador Garriga Polledo, László Surján, Valdis Dombrovskis, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats >>
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Article 2 3 0 Stationery, office supplies and miscellaneous consumables
Amend remarks and figures as follows:2 3 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Heading:Stationery, office supplies and miscellaneous consumables
Remarks:After paragraphThe amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 15 000. Add following text:
The release of the reserve is subject to the presentation of a report for a list of Parliament's documents that should not be distributed automatically , for example the documents on the outcome of the votes in plenary. The report should present proposals for abolishing an automatic distribution of hard copies to Members and staff, allowing instead the provision of these documents upon request. Furthermore, the actions undertaken under EMAS with the aim of reducing the automatic print-out for a large distribution of Parliament's documents should be included as well as their related costs.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Parliament should undertake efforts in saving paper and adopt an environment-friendly attitude in its daily work.
The budget allocated to the telecommunications does not reflect the open market price in the sector. The best offer should be sought by the administration.
Justification:In its resolution the Parliament asks the administration to use all means (technical and logistical) to reduce the costs of its geographical dispersion among the three places of work in line with the report on the estimates (para. 28). The rapporteur proposes to reduce the appropriation by EUR 1 000 000.
Staff Regulations of officials of the European Communities, and in ..........thereof and Articles 11 to 13 of Annex VII thereto.
Amend text as follows:This appropriation is intended to cover, in relation to missions undertaken by staff of the institution and seconded national experts,cover expenditure on transport costs, the payment of daily mission allowances and the ancillary or exceptional expenses incurred in the performance of a mission, including ancillary costs relating to tickets and reservations.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
To extend the scope of this expenditure to institution officials and seconded national experts.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 0847 === ALDE/7834===
Budget reference line : 3 0 1<< Tabled by Graham Watson, Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe >>
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Add: 3 0 1 —Amend classification: NCEAmend type: DA
This appropriation is intended to cover the costs of compensation of the carbon emissions attributable to staff' travels.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:As climate change is one of the top priorities on the European agenda, European Parliament and its Members have a duty to ensure that our activities are as carbon neutral as possible.
Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur at the request of the Bureau.
It is proposed to reinforce the appropriation allocated to this item.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 0547 === GUE//7970===
Budget reference line : 3 0 4 2<< Tabled by Ilda Figueiredo, Pedro Guerreiro, Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left >>
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Item 3 0 4 2 Meetings, congresses and conferences
Amend remarks and figures as follows:3 0 4 2 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
This appropriation is intended to cover in particular:expenditure connected with ..........Secretaries-General of Parliaments, Twelve Plus Group within the Interparliamentary Union). — ..........
and ending with :
affiliation fees in respect of international organisations to which the ..........Secretaries-General of Parliaments, Twelve Plus Group within the Interparliamentary Union).
Add following text:
All the official languages of the EU are to be available.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:This addition is important in order to clarify the intention to use all EU languages.
This appropriation is intended to cover in particular:expenditure connected with ..........Secretaries-General of Parliaments, Twelve Plus Group within the Interparliamentary Union). — ..........and ending with :
affiliation fees in respect of international organisations to which the ..........Secretaries-General of Parliaments, Twelve Plus Group within the Interparliamentary Union). Add following text:
The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) to (j) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 20 000.
Legal basis:
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Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Rapporteur.To provide for the use of assigned revenue.
Heading:Offsetting climate impact caused by official EP_delegations
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to provide the necessary resources for offsetting CO2 emissions and climate impacts of flights related to parliamentary delegation visits. It should cover the amount of emissions of the CLIM committee as well as other committee delegations.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Parliament has put climate change high on its agenda. In May 2007 a Temporary Committee on Climate Change has been set up with inter alia the task to respond to the urgent need to adopt concrete measures, at all levels, to confront climate change and the need for political leaders to activate that process. Following this task, some concrete action in relation to our parliamentary work has to be undertaken. Offsetting offers a concrete tool to underline this commitment and is used in practice already by national parliaments and governments to neutralise CO2 emissions caused in relation to their work.
Heading:Offsetting climate impact caused by official EP-delegations
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to provide the necessary resources for offsetting climate impact of flights related to parliamentary delegation visits. It should cover the amount of emissions of the CLIM committee as well as other delegations.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:In May 2007 a Temporary Committee on Climate Change has been set up with inter alia the task to respond to the urgent need to adopt concrete measures, at all levels, to confront climate change and the need for political leaders to activate that process. Following this task, some concrete action in relation to our parliamentary work has to be undertaken. Offsetting offers a concrete tool to neutralise climate impact of work related flights.
Heading:Pilot project - Cooperation with regional parliaments.
Remarks:Add following text:
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The appropriation is intended for the organisation of cooperation both with regional parliaments within the EU and with regional parliaments whose regions transcend the borders of Member States, with the aim of increasing exchanges of knowledge and experience relating to the EU's functioning and objectives. A particular aim should be to organise cooperation with the Saami Parliament, to enable its voice to be heard in the Union.
Legal basis:Add following text:
Pilot project within the meaning of Article 49(6) of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1), as amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1995/2006 (OJ L 390, 30.12.2006, p. 1).
Reference acts:Justification:Cooperation with the Saami minority should also be provided for.
Heading:Miscellaneous expenditure on the organisation of ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meetings
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to cover in particular expenditure connected ..........of meetings of delegations to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Add following text:
Expand the number of languages available at meetings.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:
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It is necessary to expand the number of languages available at meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly, particularly Portuguese, bearing in mind that Portuguese is an official language in many member countries and is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world. The proposed appropriations should therefore be increased.
Heading:Miscellaneous expenditure on the organisation of Eurolat Parliamentary Assembly meetings.
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure, other than that covered by Chapter 10 and Article 300, connected with the organisation of meetings of the Eurolat Parliamentary Assembly, its committees and its bureau.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
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Chapter 10 1 CONTINGENCY RESERVE
Amend figures as follows:10 1 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Heading:Relations with parliaments of third countries and support for parliamentary democracy.
Remarks:Add following text:
Conclusions, EU Speakers Conference, Copenhagen 2006 and Bratislava 2007Add following text:
Bureau decision of 18 June 2007Add following text:
Geographical area covered: countries outside the European Union with the exception of European Union candidateand pre-candidate countries.Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to cover:
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Add following text:
-the expenditure committed for promoting relations between the European Parliament and democratically elected national parliaments from third countries as well as with corresponding regional parliamentary organisations. It relates notably to activities aimed at strengthening the parliamentary capacity in new and emerging democracies, and promoting the use of new IC technologies by parliaments.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
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Item 3 2 4 9 Information exchanges with national parliaments
Amend remarks and figures as follows:3 2 4 9 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Heading:Information exchanges with national parliaments
Remarks:Amend text as follows:
Conferences of Speakers of European Parliamentary Assemblies (June 1977) and of European Union Parliaments (September 2000, March 2001). Geographical area covered: European Union countries and European Union candidate and pre-candidate countries.Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover: — expenditure committed for promoting relations between the European Parliament and national parliaments.
It relates to parliamentary relations other than those covered by Chapters 1 0 and 3 0, exchanges of information and documentation, and assistance in the analysis and management of that information, including exchanges with the European Centre for Parliamentary Research and Documentation (ECPRD),
— strengthening of cooperation between the European Parliament and the democratically elected parliaments of southeastern and eastern Europe, the former USSR and the Mediterranean Basin. The parliaments of future Member States of the Union will enjoy favoured-status collaboration,
— funding of cooperation programmes and training schemes for officials of the aforementioned parliaments and, in general, activities to strengthen their parliamentary capacities.parliaments.Training schemes include study visits to the European Parliament in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg; the appropriation is intended to cover all or part of the expenditure incurred by participants, in particular travelling costs, travel expenses, accommodation and daily allowances,
— cooperation measures, including those linked to legislative work, and measures linked to documentation, analysis and information, including those carried out by the ECPRD.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:
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Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.
Bureau decision of 18 June 2007.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2044 === BUDG/2044===
Budget reference line : 3 2 4 0<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
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Item 3 2 4 0 Official Journal
Amend figures as follows:3 2 4 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:The number of pages foreseen to be published next year on the Official Journal has been reduced. Therefore the rapporteur proposes to adjust the appropriation accordingly.
Remarks:Before paragraphThe amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 160 000. Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover:— all costs for digital publishing (Intranet sites) and traditional publishing (miscellaneous documents and
printed matter subcontracted out), including distribution,
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— upgrading and evolutive and corrective maintenance of DG TRED editorial and translation systems, including the Intranet site.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.To make the remark more precise.
Heading:Expenditure on publication, information and participation in public events
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on information publications, ..........the accession countries, including updating of the Legislative Observatory (OEIL). Add following text:
Part of this budget line should be used for the EU's participation in the EXPO 2008 Saragossa "Water and sustainable development", following the decision of the interinstitutional working group on information at its meeting of 22 May 2007, and in order to present at this major international event Parliament's efforts in the fight against climate change.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:EU's participation in the EXPO 2008 Saragossa "Water and sustainable development" should be a political priority for Parliament. The participation is financed through equal commitments from Council, Commission and EP which were agreed upon by the interinstitutional working group on information at its meeting of 22 May 2007. The subject is closely related to climate change which is a priority for the EP. Participation at the EXPO would ensure that the efforts undertaken by Parliament, including the work of the temporary committee on climate change, could be presented at this major international event.
Justification:The rapporteur proposes to enter an amount of EUR 800 000 in order to receive from the external information offices latest by December 2007, their annual work programme for 2008 presenting the strategy, the tools and the actions they intend to use for engaging effectively in the information and communication with the citizens and how they intend to involve Members in particular in view of the forthcoming elections.
Heading:Expenditure on publication, information and participation in public events
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on information publications, ..........the accession countries, including updating of the Legislative Observatory (OEIL).
Add following text:
In the context of information activities, part of the appropriation intends to cover, within a sub-item, specific actions oriented to the local and regional media in order to increase the Union Citizen's awareness on European Parliament's activities.
Legal basis:
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Reference acts:Justification:The Parliament has decided, in the estimates resolution, to implement a specific programme oriented the local and regional media to allow Members to invite journalists to the Parliament. Its cost should be taken from the envelope allocated to the European election campaign. The budget allocated to this item has considerably increased. It is proposed to reduce it by EUR 1 000 000.
Budget reference line : 3 2 4 3<< Tabled by Salvador Garriga Polledo, László Surján, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats >>
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Item 3 2 4 3 Visitors Centre
Amend remarks and figures as follows:3 2 4 3 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Remarks:Amend text as follows:This appropriation is intended to finance the Visitors Centre. The amount is put in reserve until specific proposals are provided for setting an area for political groups in the new Visitors Centre, and detailed information for the cost and needs in staff for its operation.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The above information was required last year (included in remarks on item 3244). Administration has not provided this information yet.
Heading:Organisation and reception of groups of visitors, Euroscola programme and invitations to opinion multipliers from third countries
Remarks:After paragraph
This appropriation is intended to cover subsidies granted for group ..........deflator that takes into account movements in GNI and prices.
Amend text as follows:The maximum subsidisable number of visitors should be substantially increased.Each Member of the European Parliament should have the right to invite a maximum of 5 groups each calendar a year for a total of 100 visitors. The number of participants present for the visit can vary between a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100.increased.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The amendment is aimed to increase further flexibility for the visitors groups invited by Members. It proposes to reduce the minimum of participants allowed for each group but limiting at same time the total number of groups allowed for each member to 5 (sponsored visitors whom Members are intitled to invite annually will remain unchanged). This should avoid supplementary costs linked to the increase of the number of subsidised Members' groups per year.
Heading:Organisation and reception of groups of visitors, Euroscola programme and invitations to opinion multipliers from third countries
Remarks:After paragraphThe subsidy granted shall be increased in order to be ..........conditions. The services provided for visitors should also be improved. Delete following text:
An evaluation as to whether the new rules take into account specific requirements and restrictions relating to the origin of visitors, proposals for an area to be set aside in the new Visitors Centre for political groups and a report concerning access by visitors groups to the new Visitors Centre and the visit to plenary, availability of meeting rooms and staffing needs for its operation have to be provided.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.To remove remarks specific to 2007.
Heading:Organisation and reception of groups of visitors, Euroscola programme and invitations to opinion multipliers from third countries
Remarks:After paragraph
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This appropriation is intended to cover subsidies granted for group ..........deflator that takes into account movements in GNI and prices. Amend text as follows:
The maximum subsidisable number of visitors should be substantially increased. Each Member of the European Parliament should have the right to invite a maximum of 5 groups each calendar a year for a total of 100 visitors. The number of participants present for the visit can vary between a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The amendment is aimed to increase further flexibility for the visitors groups invited by Members. It proposes to reduce the minimum number of participants allowed for each group but limiting at same time the total number of groups allowed for each member to 5 (sponsored visitors whom Members are entitled to invite annually will remain unchanged).This should avoid supplementary costs linked to the increase of the number of subsidised Members' groups per year.
Justification:The appropriations included in the Bureau´s requests in relation to the Sakharov foundation will remain in reserve until compliance with the Financial Regulation is ensured and the administrative nature of Parliaments' budget respected.
Heading:Organisation of seminars, symposia and cultural activities
Remarks:Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure or subsidies connected with the organisation of national and multinational symposia and seminars for opinion multipliers from the Member States and the accession countries, the cost of organising parliamentary symposia and seminars, and the financing of cultural projects of European interest, such asin particular the Sakharov Prize and the European Parliament Cinema Prize. A maximum of EUR 300 000 of this appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on special events in the Chamber in Strasbourg and Brussels in accordance with the annual programme adopted by the Bureau.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.To amend the remark.
Justification:It is important to reduce the reserve to enable the project to start more quickly once approved by COBU and the Bureau. 7 million will remain in the reserve this gives the COBU members sufficient control on the project.
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to finance the parliamentary television channel (Web TV).
Delete following text:An evaluation of the prototype will be made. It will have to take into consideration the content and the cost of the project, including the structures and level of participation of political groups and the definition of programme content.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau.To remove remarks specific to 2007.
Budget reference line : 3 2 4 6<< Tabled by Salvador Garriga Polledo, László Surján, Valdis Dombrovskis, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats >>
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Item 3 2 4 6 Parliamentary television channel (Web TV)
Amend remarks as follows:3 2 4 6 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
An evaluation of the prototype will be made. It will ..........participation of political groups and the definition of programme content. Add following text:
The financing of this project is depending on the approval of a prototype after the trial period and the conditions foreseen in EP resolution for the 2007 draft general budget on other sections (par.23)Add following text:
Each political group should be represented proportionally in the supervisory body while the editorial decision making body should include representatives of political groups' staff in order to ensure plurality and transparency.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
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Chapter 10 4 RESERVE FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION POLICY
Amend remarks as follows:10 4 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Heading:RESERVE FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION POLICY
Remarks:Amend text as follows:
This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on information and communication policy.Add following text:
The release of the reserve is depending on the approval of a prototype after the trial period and the conditions foreseen in EP resolution for the 2007 draft general budget on other sections (par.23)Add following text:
Each political group should be represented proportionally in the supervisory body while the editorial decision making body should include representatives of political groups' staff in order to ensure plurality and transparency.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Transparent and democratic launching of the Web-TV without clearly defined rules on the composition of the bodies and the structures as well as the full proportionate involvement of political groups would not be acceptable
This appropriation is intended to finance the parliamentary television channel (Web TV).Amend text as follows:
An evaluation of the prototype will be made. It will have to take into consideration the content and the cost of the project, including the structures and level of participation of political groups and the definition of programme content, as well as the need for information on parliamentary minorities.content.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The information must not be one-sided: the views of minorities should also be taken into account.
Heading:Expenditure on information about the Debate on the Future of Europe
Remarks:Amend text as follows:TheThis appropriation is intended to cover expenditure arising from information work in connection with the debate on the future of Europe;on information measures should include diverse information and also meet the need for information about parliamentary minorities. carried out in the context of the debate on the future of Europe.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:
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The information must not be one-sided: the views of minorities should also be taken into account. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 0856 === UEN//8108===
Budget reference line : 3 2 4 8<< Tabled by Zbigniew Krzysztof Kuźmiuk, Union for Europe of the Nations Group >>
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Item 3 2 4 8 Expenditure on audiovisual information
Amend remarks as follows:3 2 4 8 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
European Parliament resolution of 14 May 2003 on the estimates ..........financial year 2004 (OJ C 67 E, 17.3.2004, p. 179).
Amend text as follows:This appropriation is intended to cover: — the operating budget of the audiovisual sector (including services under its own control and outside
assistance such as technical services for radio and television stations, provision, production and co-production of audiovisual programmes, the hiring of lines, the transmission of television and radio programmes, and other measures to develop relations between the institution and audiovisual broadcasting bodies),
— expenditure on live Internet broadcasting of plenary sittings and parliamentary committee meetings,— the recording of part-session proceedings on DVD-ROMs,— the establishment of appropriate archives and a search engine ensuring uninterrupted public access to that
information in the official languages of all Member States as well as in written form.information.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The assurance of multilingualism is required for the conformity and respect of the decisions laid down in the Treaties. Written form is indispensable in order to guarantee non discrimination of the hearing impaired.
Heading:Grant for information measures involving the Sakharov Foundation.
Remarks:Add following text:
Bureau decision of XX September 2007. This appropriation is intended for anannual contribution to the Sakharov Foundation in Moscow in connection with public relations activities on the issue of human rights.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:Amendment presented by the Rapporteur on behalf of the Bureau. Bureau decision
Budget reference line : 4 0 0<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
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Article 4 0 0 Current administrative expenditure and expenditure relating to the political and information activities of the political groups and non-attached Members
Amend remarks and figures as follows:4 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Heading:Current administrative expenditure and expenditure relating to the political and information activities of the political groups and non-attached Members
Remarks:After paragraphThe amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 18(1)(e) ..........of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000. Add following text:
In the context of information activities, part of the appropriation is allocated to Members to invite journalists from local and regional media in order to increase the Union Citizen's awareness on European Parliament's activities.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:In the estimates resolution, the Parliament has invited "the Quaestors to examine the feasibility of providing each Member with proper means for inviting local journalists to come to the European Parliament".An annual amount of EUR 1000 per Member is allocated for this purpose. Their management is attributed to the political groups.
Heading:Contributions to European political parties
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Remarks:After paragraph
Based on the need for transparency and the necessary reinforcement ..........expressing the political will of the citizens of the Union.
Add following text:
These funds should be managed and supervised in the same way as other EU expenditure without any exceptions being inserted in the Financial Regulation.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The previous increase was made without the appropriate transparency.
Justification:The EU taxpayers should not pay for European political parties. Political parties should primarily be financed through membership fees and voluntary contributions. If taxpayers' money is to be involved, the decision should lie with individual member countries to ensure that national political values and traditions are respected.
Justification:The EU taxpayers should not pay for European political parties. Political parties should primarily be financed through membership fees and voluntary contributions. If taxpayers' money is to be involved, the decision should lie with individual member countries to ensure that national political values and traditions are respected.
Heading:Contribution to European Political Foundations
Remarks:Add following text:
The adoption of the new proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding will give the possibility of funding, at European level, political foundations which complement the activities of the European political parties through information and educational work.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:"European political foundations can underpin and complement the activities of the political parties by undertaking a range of activities that contribute to the debate on European public policy issues and European integration, including by acting as catalysts for new ideas, analysis and policy options. European political foundations may thus bring together all sorts of relevant actors – including national political foundations, and academics – who have the potential to enrich the public debate and to develop new and innovative policy proposals "COM(2007) 364 final.
Pending the adoption of the new regulation, foreseen in December, decides to enter the amount in reserve.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 4722 === BUDG/4722===
Budget reference line : 4 0 3<< Tabled by Jo Leinen, Richard Corbett >>
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Add: 4 0 3 —Amend classification: NCEAmend type: DA
Heading:Contribution to European Political Foundations
Remarks:Add following text:
The adoption of the new proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding will give the possibility of funding, at European level, political foundations which complement the activities of the European political parties through information and educational work.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:"European political foundations can underpin and complement the activities of the political parties by undertaking a range of activities that contribute to the debate on European public policy issues and European integration, including by acting as catalysts for new ideas, analysis and policy options. European political foundations may thus bring together all sorts of relevant actors – including national political foundations, and academics – who have the potential to enrich the public debate and to develop new and innovative policyproposals "COM(2007) 364 final. Pending the adoption of the new regulation, foreseen in December, decides to enter the amount in reserve.
Heading:Contributions to European Political Foundations
Remarks:Add following text:
This line will serve to contribute to the financing of European political foundations after the entry into force of the legal base proposed in COM(2007)364. This proposal was requested by Parliament in its resolution of 23 March 2006, which called on the Commission to submit proposals on how European political foundations can be supported in order to assist European political parties in their work of political information and education.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The creation and funding of European political foundations will be an important instrument to establish political debates at the European level and to educate and train European citizens in issues of common European interest. It will also enable European political parties to carry out their tasks more effectively.
Budget reference line : 403<< Tabled by Salvador Garriga Polledo, László Surján, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats >>
Heading:Contributions to European political Foundations
Remarks:Add following text:
This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of European activities and projects carried out by European political foundations.
Legal basis:Add following text:
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Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding (COM (2007) 364 final) .
Reference acts:Justification:This new budget line should cover the cost of European activities and projects carried out by European political foundations as soon as the legal basis is adopted . These foundations have an important role to play in promoting the activities and objectives of the political parties at European level.
The creation of a New Budget Line 403 is in agreement with Commission’s proposal mentioned above (page 5, par. 2,) and would provide the necessary funding for the European political foundations.
Budget reference line : N 403<< Tabled by Catherine Guy-Quint, Vladimír Maňka, Socialist Group in the European Parliament >>
-------------------------------SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Add: N 403 —Amend classification: NCEAmend type: NDA
N 403 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENTCommitments Payments Commitments Payments Commitments Payments Commitments Payments Commitments Payments
Appropriations 0 0 p.m. p.m.
Reserves 5 000 000 5 000 000 5 000 000 5 000 000
Heading:Contribution to European Political Foundations
Remarks:Add following text:
The adoption of the new proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding will give the possibility of funding, at European level, political foundations which complement the activities of the European political parties through information and educational work.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:"European political foundations can underpin and complement the activities of the political parties by undertaking a range of activities that contribute to the debate on European public policy issues and European integration, including by acting as catalysts for new ideas, analysis and policy options. European political foundations may thus bring together all sorts of relevant actors – including national political foundations, and academics – who have the potential to enrich the public debate and to develop new and innovative policy proposals "COM(2007) 364 final.
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Pending the adoption of the new regulation, foreseen in December, decides to enter the amount in reserve. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 0692 === PPE//7591===
Budget reference line : 4 2 2 0<< Tabled by Joseph Daul, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, Martin Schulz, Socialist Group in the European Parliament >>
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SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
Item 4 2 2 0 Parliamentary assistance
Amend remarks and figures as follows:4 2 2 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
This appropriation is intended to cover expenses relating to the recruitment and employment of one or more assistants.
Add following text:
The administration is asked to strengthen internal control system in order to ensure that the recruitment of Members' assistants is clear and transparent guarantying that the fiscal and social regulations (salaries and social rights, etc…) are respected.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The expenses and allowances provided to Members should translate the need to efficiently respond to their increasing obligations and facilitate the accomplishment of their duties, as expressed in the Guidelines' Resolution ( P6_TA(2006) 0570)). In addition, it should be ensured that the recruitment of Members' assistants is clear and transparent guarantying that the fiscal and social regulations (salaries and social rights, etc…) are respected.
Budget reference line : 4 2 2 0<< Tabled by Salvador Garriga Polledo, László Surján, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats >>
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SECTION I - PARLIAMENT
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Item 4 2 2 0 Parliamentary assistance
Amend remarks and figures as follows:4 2 2 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to cover expenses relating to the recruitment and employment of one or more assistants.Add following text:
The administration is invited to review the modalities of the management of parliamentary assistance with a view of transparency and efficiency.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:The expenses and allowances provided to Members should translate the need to efficiently respond to their increasing obligations and facilitate the accomplishment of their duties, as expressed in the Guidelines' Resolution (P6_TA (2006)0570)
Remarks:After paragraphThis appropriation is intended to cover expenses relating to the recruitment and employment of one or more assistants.
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Add following text:
The administration is called to provide clear and precise rules to Members in order to ease the employment of the assistants and to agree, with the Kingdom of Belgium, on the modalities of their working conditions.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:It is proposed to increase the Secretariat's allowance allocated to each Member by EUR 500 per month and to urge the administration to provide accurate information to Members.
Justification:Part of the appropriations for delegations travel expenses will remain in reserve until the Council is willing to enter into dialogue with the Parliament on a statute for MEP assistants.
Justification:It is important to maintain the PDB level for Common Foreign and Security Policy Missions where the EU is playing a pivotal and high profile role. It is therefore vital that sufficient funding is maintained and not delayed in this area.
Justification:The Court of Justice proposed a standard abatement of 3.7% instead of the 3% requested in the PDB and the 4.5% decided in first reading by the Council.
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
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SECTION IV - COURT OF JUSTICE
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:Before paragraph
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A standard abatement of 4 % has been applied to the appropriations entered in this chapter.
Add following text:
Establishment plan: creation of 8 temporary posts (AD 10) for the Advocates General, one temporary post (AD 10) for the President of the Civil Service Tribunal, one AD5 (data protection) and one AST3 (SAP expert).
Legal basis:Reference acts:
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SECTION IV - COURT OF JUSTICE
Item 1 2 0 0 Remunerations and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:To face the workload, it is proposed to reinforce by one post the number of staff in the cabinet of the eight Advocate Generals and in the cabinet of the President of the Civil Service Tribunal.Regarding the administration, it is proposed to create one AD 5 to allow for the recruitment of a lawyer to cope with the increasing "data protection" requirements and one AST 3 for the implementation of the interinstitutional SAP project.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on theability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. Standard abatement (increased by the Council to 4.5%) needs to be reduced to 3% in order to meet the necessary needs of the establishment plan of the Court.
Moreover, the Council refused the creation of all 22 new posts requested by the Court of Justice. It is extremely important for the Court to create 8 new temporary posts in the chambers of the Advocates Generals in order to prevent the risk of a bottle neck which would have a direct negative effect on the Court's productivity. Reinforcing the chamber of the President of the Civil Service Tribunal with one additional legal assistant will allow the President to cope with the administrative and managerial tasks coming on top of his essential legal work. It is also important to re-establish the 13 permanent posts for the Court's services (i.e. library, research and documentation service) to meet the new requirements and priorities. Corresponding appropriations are proposed to be reinstated.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. Standard abatement (increased by the Council to 4.5%) needs to be reduced to 3% in order to meet the necessary needs of the establishment plan of the Court.Moreover, the Council refused the creation of all 22 new posts requested by the Court of Justice. It is extremely important for the Court to create 8 new temporary posts in the chambers of the Advocates Generals in order to prevent the risk of a bottle neck which would have a direct negative effect on the Court's productivity. Reinforcing the chamber of the President of the Civil Service Tribunal with one additional legal assistant will allow the President to cope with the administrative and managerial tasks coming on top of his essential legal work. It is also important to re-establish the 13 permanent posts for the Court's services (i.e. library, research and documentation service) to meet the new requirements and priorities. Corresponding appropriations are proposed to be reinstated.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. Standard abatement (increased by the Council to 4.5%) needs to be reduced to 3% in order to meet the necessary needs of the establishment plan of the Court.
Moreover, the Council refused the creation of all 22 new posts requested by the Court of Justice. It is extremely important for the Court to create 8 new temporary posts in the chambers of the Advocates Generals in order to prevent the risk of a bottle neck which would have a direct negative effect on the Court's productivity. Reinforcing the chamber of the President of the Civil Service Tribunal with one additional legal assistant will allow the President to cope with the administrative and managerial tasks coming on top of his essential legal work. It is also important to re-establish the 13 permanent posts for the Court's services (i.e. library, research and documentation service) to meet the new requirements and priorities. Corresponding appropriations are proposed to be reinstated.
Justification:This increase corresponds to a technical adjustment following the modification of the standard abatement rate and the creation of 9 new temporary posts and two posts for the administration.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:Given the inflexible structure of the Court's budget (more than 90% is required for fixed costs, such as salaries and building related expenditure), there is no scope for it to absorb a 2% across-the-board cut proposed by the Council. Imposing the cut upon the remaining 10% implied a disproportionate cut that puts into risk inter alia the outsourced translation and interpretation. It is recalled that the requested budget already took into account the strong efficiency measures taken by the Court to limit the translation volumes and needs. Appropriation needs to be reinstated in order to avoid linguistic bottle neck that could directly affect the productivity of the Court.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the
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ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The increase in training expenditure is in large part brought about by the need to ensure staff ability to translate judgements and opinions into 21 languages for the day of judgement. Any reduction would directly impact on the Court's objectives. It is proposed to restore the PDB.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The Court of Justice proposes to reduce the contribution to the lease-purchase to be paid in 2008 for the New Palais thanks to a mopping-up transfer to be done by the end of 2007. By doing so, the Court reduces the financial impact of the New Palais in its 2008 budget and the corresponding amount of interest.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:This amendment is related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new
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areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:This amendment is related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:This amendment is related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:This amendment is related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:Given the inflexible structure of the Court's budget (more than 90% is required for fixed costs, such as salaries and building related expenditure), there is no scope to absorb a 2% across-the-board cut proposed by the Council. Imposing the cut upon the remaining 10% implied a disproportionate cut that puts into risk inter alia the crucial IT developments and equipment. As the Court of Justice faces new technological challenges with a view to delivering an improved quality of service and in the same time limiting needs for human resources, a reinstatement of the appropriations is requested.This amendment is also related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:Due to the handover of the New Palais, EUR 600 000 are required to install the essential IT and telephone/data network infrastructure in the new building. Moreover part of the cut made by the Council needs to be restored in order to insure a continuity in the IT plan.
Justification:Due to the handover of the New Palais, the item on "external services for operation, creation and servicing of software systems" needs to be restored at the PDB level.
Justification:Given the inflexible structure of the Court's budget (more than 90% is required for fixed costs, such as salaries and building related expenditure), there is no scope to absorb a 2% across-the-board cut proposed by the Council. Imposing the cut upon the remaining 10% implied a disproportionate cut that puts into risk inter alia the crucial IT developments and equipment. As the Court of Justice faces new technological challenges with a view to delivering an improved quality of service and in the same time limiting needs for human resources, a reinstatement of the appropriations is requested.
Justification:Given the inflexible structure of the Court's budget (more than 90% is required for fixed costs, such as salaries and building related expenditure), there is no scope to absorb a 2% across-the-board cut proposed by the Council. Imposing the cut upon the remaining 10% implied a disproportionate cut that puts into risk inter alia the crucial IT developments and equipment. As the Court of Justice faces new technological challenges with a view to delivering an improved quality of service and in the same time limiting needs for human resources, a reinstatement of the appropriations is requested.
This amendment is also related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:Due to the handover of the New Palais, the item on "telecommunications" needs to be restored at the PDB level. EUR 100 000 are related to the equipment of the New Palais.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
This amendment is also related to the building project "New Palais": the cuts imposed by the Council would simply undermine the possibility to exploit the new building as foreseen in 2008 (with many budget lines constituting a one-off expenditure), as indispensable costs related to the IT equipment, fitting out and maintenance of the new areas in service have been reduced by 40%. Therefore this corresponding item needs to be reinstated in order to proceed with the planned occupancy during the second semester of 2008.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the
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ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Justification:The manner in which the Council established the 2008 Draft Budget (imposing a so-called "efficiency gains cut" of 2%) has resulted in major cut-back in the level of appropriations that will have a severe impact on the ability of the Court of Justice to correctly carry out its functions. The amendment proposes to reinstate necessary appropriation for this item of the Court’s operating budget.
Budget reference line : 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
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Section VOL7 - SECTION VI – EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Title 2 BUILDINGS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:BUILDINGS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Overall objective:Remarks:Add following text:
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In 2007, the joint service of the two committees, under title 2, represents an amount of EUR 23 024 010 for the Economic and Social committee and EUR 14 893 039 for the Committee of Regions. Add following text:
It is proposed to enter in Chapter 10 0 ("provisional appropriation") 10% of the 2007 amount of the Joint Service supported by the ESC pending the transmission of the new cooperation agreement to the Parliament.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
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Section VOL7 - SECTION VI – EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Item 2 0 0 1 Annual lease payments and similar expenditure
Amend figures as follows:2 0 0 1 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:On several occasions the Parliament encouraged the two Committees to renew their cooperation agreement. In its resolution on the guidelines, the Parliament "expects to receive a clear signal on the nature of the future collaboration between the two Committees from 2008 onwards by the time of the presentation of the estimates".
Until now the two committees have not been able to present such a signal. Information is expected by the Budgetary authority to release the 10% of the Joint Service cost i.e.EUR 2 302 401 for the ESC's budget.
Justification:The Court of Auditors proposed a standard abatement at 4.82%. As a result of the increase of the standard abatement following the Council’s reading to 6.07%, the Court would need to leave vacant the new posts created and in particular the 18 AD audit posts. As the reinforcement of the audit sector is a priority for the discharge authority, it is proposed to restore the level of the standard abatement to 4.82%.
Justification:In the 2007 preliminary draft budget, the Court requested five AST posts in order to replace temporary and contractual staff in sensitive posts in its human resources division with permanent staff. In the Parliament's resolution of 26 October 2006, Parliament has decided" the creation of 2 posts for the human resources unit to ease the modernisation of management staff and to commit itself to create a further two posts needed in the 2008 financial year". In order to limit the financial impact of the creation of the two posts (+€ 82 845) it is proposed to downgrade one temporary post (AD12 into AD11) underused (€-17 763). The posts are funded for 6 months.
Justification:The Organisation and Procedures team needs to be reinforced in order to implement an action plan in documenting and simplifying procedures that resulted from the Court self-assessment done last year.
The post is funded for 6 months.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2304 === BUDG/2304===
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
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SECTION V - COURT OF AUDITORS
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:Add following text:
Establishment plan: Creation of 1 AD5 (accounting division).
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------SECTION V - COURT OF AUDITORS
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:Together with the Council and the Court of Justice, the Court is preparing to launch the new accrual accounting system based on SAP software. To be able to use all the possibility offered by the new system in terms of simplifying procedures and improving internal control, the recruitment of one AD specialist in SAP is needed. The post is funded for 6 months.
Justification:In the 2007 budget three AST3 posts were created for the IT division. Due to the difficulties encountered in recruiting IT specialists at that level, the Court requested, in the PDB, the transformation of these three posts into AD6. To limit their financial impact, the Court is now proposing to recruit IT specialists at the AD5 level. The transformation will have a cost of +€ 42 303.
Justification:The "mise en conformité" of the K1 building is a legal requirement under Luxembourg law, so that the building conforms to national health, safety and environmental requirements. The full amount necessary for this work was included in the Court's preliminary draft budget. The Council has cut € 1.474.248 which should be restored to make the Court of Auditors in conformity with the Luxembourg Law. It is a one-shot action which does not require any further investment.
Justification:The Court’s meeting room was originally designed for a college of 12 Members (K1 building). Since the last two enlargements the room needs to be renovated, modernised and extended. In order to limit the financial impact of this renovation, the work will be done at the same time as the work for the “mise en conformité” of the K1 building.
It is proposed to restore the cut made by the Council in its first reading.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 2405 === BUDG/2405===
Budget reference line : 1 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
-------------------------------Section VOL7 - SECTION VI – EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Chapter 1 2 OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF
Remarks:After paragraphFormer Chapters 1 1 (in part) and 1 2
Add following text:
Establishment plan: creation of 4 AD5 and 1 AST3.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
-------------------------------Section VOL7 - SECTION VI – EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Item 1 2 0 0 Remuneration and allowances
Amend figures as follows:1 2 0 0 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:In its PDB, the Economic and Social Committee has requested 10 new posts in order to fulfill its new tasks. The Council did not agree to the creation of the new posts. The rapporteur considers that the reinforcement of the establishment plan with four AD 5 and one AST 3 will be sufficient to achieve the Economic and Social Committee's targets.
Justification:Following the decision taken by the Economic and Social Committee to strengthen the program on seconded national experts in 2007, an additional amount of EUR 112 500 is needed in order to pursue it.
This reinforcement was initially announced in 2007 in transfer request n° inf/2007.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-
Draft amendment 4341 === BUDG/4341===
Budget reference line : 10 1<< Tabled by Nils Lundgren >>
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Section VOL7 - SECTION VI – EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Justification:In principle, the ECOSOC like any other EU institution, should not own the buildings in which they operate. Real estate investments are highly speculative and therefore EU tax payers' money should not be used for the purpose.
Justification:In principle, the ECOSOC like any other EU institution, should not own the buildings in which they operate. Real estate investments are highly speculative and therefore EU tax payers' money should not be used for the purpose.
Justification:To limit the increase of the 2008 budget, the ESC has proceed to a further analysis of its budget lines. It appears that an amount of € 111 000 can be taken out of the four items mentioned above.
Justification:Following a further analysis of the "cleaning and maintenance costs the ESC considered that a supplementary amount of € 177 390 is needed which is € 33 360 less than their PDB.
Justification:Reiterates the importance and benefits of interinstitutional cooperation. A final a proposition for a new agreement for the joint administrative service of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions which was expected to be delivered by July 2007 has not yet been submitted. In this
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respect therefore it is recommended that EUR 300 000 to be put in the reserve until an agreement is presented to the budgetary authority by no later then December 2007.
Justification:Reiterates the importance and benefits of interinstitutional cooperation. A final a proposition for a new agreement for the joint adminsitrative service of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions which was expected to be delivered by July 2007 has not yet been submitted. In this respect therefore it is recommended that EUR 300 000 to be put in the reserve until an agreement is presented to the budgetary authority by no later the December 2007.
Justification:The modernisation of the security system which is to be realised by the end of 2007, will make further savings not foreseen when drawing up the estimates. It is therefore proposed to reduce accordingly the item 2026.
Justification:In its first reading the Council cut € 1 Million. Based on the current implementation, it is proposed to restore half of this amount in order to ensure sufficient appropriation for interpretation in 2008.
Budget reference line : 2<< Tabled by Ville Itälä, Committee on Budgets >>
-------------------------------SECTION VII — COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
Title 2 BUILDINGS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Amend remarks as follows:
Heading:BUILDINGS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Overall objective:Remarks:Add following text:
In 2007, the joint service of the two committees, under title 2, represents an amount of EUR 23 024 010 for the Economic and Social committee and EUR 14 893 039 for the Committee of Regions. Add following text:
It is proposed to enter in Chapter 10 0 ("provisional appropriation") 10% of the 2007 amount of the Joint Service supported by the COR pending the transmission of the new cooperation agreement to the Parliament.
Legal basis:Reference acts:
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SECTION VII — COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
Item 2 0 0 1 Annual lease payments
Amend figures as follows:2 0 0 1 Budget 2007 PDB 2008 DB 2008 AMENDMENT DB+AMENDMENT
Justification:On several occasions the Parliament encouraged the two Committees to renew their cooperation agreement. In its resolution on the guidelines, the Parliament "expects to receive a clear signal on the nature of the future collaboration between the two Committees from 2008 onwards by the time of the presentation of the estimates".Until now the two committees have not been able to present such a signal. Information is expected by the Budgetary authority to release the 10% of the Joint Service's cost i.e. EUR 1 489 304 for the Committee of the Region's budget.
Justification:The Committee of regions proposed a standard abatement of 4% instead of the 3% requested in the PDB and 7% decided in first reading by the Council.
Justification:It is proposed to create 10 new posts related to the enlargement in addition to the 15 posts already created by the Council in its first reading. The posts are funded for 4 months.
Amend text as follows:A standard abatement of 3 %7 % has been applied to the appropriation.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:It is proposed to create 1 AD15 post for the new Directorate for Communication and Press through upgrading the existing AD14 post to an AD15 post.The Communication, Press and Protocol unit, in reality consist of two units (one subordinated to the other) and its size is similar to that of the Directorate of Planning. From the point of view of good operational management and human resources, it becomes appropriate to convert it in Directorate.To implement this internal structural change for the least possible cost, the Committee of the Regions proposes to proceed by the way of a simple upgrading of one vacant AD 14 post. The estimated cost of this upgrading is
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approximately 8,000 Euros for 2008 (4 month) and approximately 26,000 Euros per year (12 month) as of 2009.
Amend text as follows:Staff establishment plan: creation of new Director Post through upgrading of an available AD14 postA standard abatement of 7 % has been applied to an AD15 post; creation of 7 posts of AST3 and 5 posts of AST1 the appropriation.
Legal basis:Reference acts:Justification:It is proposed to create 1 AD15 post for the new Directorate for Communication and Press through upgrading the existing AD14 post to an AD15 post.The Communication, Press and Protocol unit, in reality consist of two units (one subordinated to the other) and its size is similar to that of the Directorate of Planning. From the point of view of good operational management and human resources, it becomes appropriate to convert it in Directorate.
To implement this internal structural change for the least possible cost, the Committee of the Regions proposes to proceed by the way of a simple upgrading of one vacant AD 14 post. The estimated cost of this upgrading is approximately 8,000 Euros for 2008 (4 month) and approximately 26,000 Euros per year (12 month) as of 2009.
Justification:The Council has reduced the appropriation. The amendment re-establishes the appropriations relative to the creation of 12 AST posts and is directly linked to amendments in budget line 1200 "Remuneration and allowances".
Justification:Following a further analysis of the "cleaning and maintenance costs the Committee of Regions considered that a supplementary amount of € 118 260 is needed which is € 22 240 less than their PDB.
Justification:Reiterates the importance and benefits of interinstitutional cooperation. A final a proposition for a new agreement for the joint administrative service of the European Economic and Social Comittee and theCommittee of the Regions which was expected to be delivered by July 2007 has not yet been submitted. In this respect therefore it is recommended that EURO 300 000 to be put in the reserve until an agreement is presented to the budgetary authority by no later than December 2007.
Justification:The modernisation of the security system which is to be realised by the end of 2007, will make further savings not foreseen when drawing up the estimates. It is therefore proposed to reduce accordingly the item 2026.
Justification:Reiterates the importance and benefits of interinstitutional cooperation. A final a proposition for a new agreement for the joint administrative service of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions which was expected to be delivered by July 2007 has not yet been submitted. In this respect therefore it is recommended that EUR 300 000 to be put in the reserve until an agreement is presented to the budgetary authority by no later then December 2007.
Justification:The Council has applied an efficiency gain of 2% which is not justified taking into account the size of the institution. The amendment restores the PDB.
Justification:All decisions taken by the Ombudsman have to be published in the Official Journal. Consequently the amendment proposes to restore the PDB.
Justification:The Council has agreed to the creation of 3 posts out of the four requested. It is proposed to create the additional posts but at an AST3 level instead of AST9 as requested in the estimates. All posts are funded for 6 months.