ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM: COMMISSION KEEN TO ENHANCE MEDIATION IN INTERNAL DISPUTES.

Last year's White Paper on administrative reform recognised the need to make impartial counsel available to staff members in the context of allegations regarding actions other than fraud or acts undermining the EU's financial interests. It proposed the creation of a central mediation service on the basis of an existing structure (the mediator), a service capable of providing further assistance, giving impartial advice and serving as an interface for staff members aware of facts raising suspicions of irregularities.Among cases liable to be submitted to the mediator, Commissioner Neil Kinnock identified: - personal difficulties and strains in relationships in the context of which mobility or an intra-career change might be envisaged;- difficulties regarding the maintenance of professional standards;- problems regarding the assessment of results and promotions;- problems arising in the context of entry to services;- problems regarding non-permanent staff members;- problems...