Open letter to Commissioner Patten
Brussels, 28 May 2002
On 25 April 2002, R&D distributed a leaflet relating to a number of serious anomalies that had occurred in the course of the procedure for 2002 covering the rotation of certain Heads of Delegation. In the leaflet, R&D criticised the failure to comply with the relevant rules and procedures.

In response to this warning, DG RELEX eventually decided to publish the job in question in Vacancy List No 26 on 23 May 2002. Although R&D is delighted to have enabled the Administration to abide by the rules that provide the basis of how it functions, and to demonstrate a minimum of concern for its staff, it would appear that this last-minute publication is nothing but an artless cosmetic operation. As ever, our crystal ball is able to come up with the face of the candidate destined to occupy the job in question.

Our crystal ball has also alerted us as follows:

  • a former Head of Delegation recalled early to Brussels following an extremely critical inspection report, is again to be appointed Head of Delegation after pressure from a member state;
  • a former member of a certain cabinet is to be appointed Head of Delegation without having previously occupied a middle management post.

With a view to seeking clarity, and to re-establishing staff confidence in the appointment and promotion procedures,

R&D does not doubt for a single moment, Commissioner Patten, that you will ensure compliance with the procedures and rules that the Commission has acquired in respect of appointments and promotions.

R&D calls on you, Commissioner Patten, to conduct all mandatory checks, and carry out the necessary measures required when applying the rules.

R&D also urges you to ask your services to publish these decisions taken for the 2002 rotation exercise (all grades included) in line with the transparency that is one of the basic principles of the present Commission.

The Executive Committee

cc Mr Prodi, Mr Kinnock, Commission staff

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Membres du Comité Exécutif: Ianniello Franco, Adurno Giuseppe, Zorbas Gerassimos, Ravagli Alessandra, Uguccioni Bruno, Docherty Michael, Vassila-Souyoul Erica, Bochu Claude, Drevet Jean-François, Napolitano Raffaele, Crespinet Alain, Sybren Singelsma, Paul Frank, Panarisi Edi, Sperling Christiane, Domingos Dias.