ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM: MINISTERS BACK COMMISSION PLAN BUT WORRY ABOUT COST.

• Position: Civil service pay equalization - Brief Article

Neil Kinnock recalled that the proposals to revise the staff regulations for EU civil servants aim to introduce a more continuous career structure, modernise the pay and pension system and to safeguard professional and ethical standards. In its conclusions, the Council notes with satisfaction that the Commission has made good progress on already submitted to staff consultation. In this context, the Council particularly welcomed the Commission's intention to modernise the European public service, which should ensure equal access for nationals of all the Member States, ensuring the EU is served by modern, open and citizen-oriented institutions.Five Ministers spoke during the debate. The Swedish Minister expressed alarm at the growing disparity in wages between European and national public service and at a perceived...