1998 budget: EP estimates

In a document setting out the budget estimate for the 1998 financial year, the Ombudsman noted that the total amount of this budget was fixed at ECU 2 636 002 to cover requirements relating to the Ombudsman's activities. Compared with 1997, the 1998 budget rose by 2.09% to enable the Ombudsman and the institution he represented to take up their duties in full. The budget was intended to cover the current expenses required to enable him to carry out his duties without hindrance, within an independent institutional and administrative framework. The budget also sought to prevent any duplication of task and in this regard the Ombudsman pointed out that the European Parliament would continue to provide some of the Ombudsman's staff management and administrative services. At the same time, the Ombudsman called for the creation of an A7 temporary post to assist the Ombudsman in his information tasks. More specifically, the Ombudsman requested that this post be created with a view to launching an information site on the Web (Internet) and creating an e-mail address in the name of the European Ombudsman. It was particularly necessary to create this post because the citizens of the Union were making increasing use of this media to communicate and keep informed. Moreover, a network could be created between the national Ombudsmen and the European Ombudsman. One secretarial post would be needed to assist the temporary official in his duties. Finally, the Ombudsman felt that some posts needed to be reviewed within this institution. In particular, some C5 and C3 officials should be upgraded to the next level, on the basis of promotion.�