EUROPEAN COMMISSION: SIIM KALLAS KEEN TO IMPROVE THE IMAGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE EU.

Siim Kallas insisted the image of public administration in the EU must be improved, acknowledging that much remains to be done if public opinion is to have full confidence in the management of EU spending. He is keen to address the appointment of senior officials according to political affinities and to ensure their selection is based on professionalism and individual merit. Mr Kallas thus pledged to ensure there is no parachuting in the administration during his mandate.

Regarding the audit aspect of his portfolio, Mr Kallas aims to secure the Court of Auditors' approval for procedures for the implementation of payments from the EU Budget. Regarding budgetary control within the European Commission, Mr Kallas believes internal audits represent an opportunity to freely discuss possible improvements and that they should not be regarded as a means of minimising problems identified or making sensational revelations.

Combating fraud.

Mr Kallas believes the fight against fraud should focus first and foremost on areas where large sums are at stake; namely customs, agriculture and the Structural Funds. He recalled...