Commission works to end age bias

Date: 04/01/01

THE EU citizens' watchdog has given the European Commission the all-clear over plans to abolish age limits for recruitment, but says he may launch a wider inquiry into similar restrictions in all Union institutions.

Ombudsman Jacob Söderman says the Commission is doing all it can to srcap a rule barring people aged over 45 from taking part in entry competitions, but other EU bodies appear to be resisting the reform process.

Söderman had threatened to complain formally to the European Parliament if the executive did not deliver on its promise to srcap age limits. But the Commission's response has now convinced him to end his investigation. "The Ombudsman has closed this case by saying that he considers that the Commission has actually taken enough steps," said an aide.

Insiders say Söderman is set to launch an 'own initiative' inquiry into the performance of all the EU's institutions. This would consider the policy of bodies such as the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.

The Ombudsman is also worried about age bias in smaller Union institutions, some of which still apply the maximum age limit of 35 which the Union executive srcapped in 1998.

In its response to Söderman's complaint, the Commission reaffirmed its pledge to end age limits, but warned that it could take another two years to do so because of the need to change staff regulations. Privately, officials claim that the executive is being held back by other institutions, arguing that the Commission cannot go it alone because it organises cross-institutional entrance exams.

The EU citizens' watchdog has given the European Commission the all-clear over plans to abolish age limits for recruitment, but says he may launch a wider inquiry into similar restrictions in all Union institutions.