2002 budget: other sections

In adopting the report presented by Kathalijne Maria BUITENWEG (Greens/EFA, NL), the European Parliament approved budgetary guidelines for administrative expenditure relating to the institutions. The ceiling for administrative expenditure for 2002 stands at EUR 5,179 million but factors to be taken into account include the Kinnock staff reform, together with an early retirement scheme, the impact of enlargement especially on language services, with MEPs wanting this to be included in the 2002 budget, the Parliament's building policy and the financing of political parties. The resolution also called on Council not to include any "operational" expenditure such as the administrative cost of setting up the Rapid Reaction Force in its own estimates. It should be noted that the Parliament reiterates its support for the establishment of an Assistants' statute. �