200s EN/European Public Administration/Human Resources OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AST/2/04 Assistants (B*3) —— rietL “Boropean Public Administration/Human Resources” ee Test a) Test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions to assess your specialised knowledge in the field chosen Questions numbered from 1 to 50 This test will be marked out of 60 (pass mark: 30) Test b) Test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of the European Union and EU Institutions Questions numbered from 51 to 70: ‘This test will be marked out of 20 (pass mark: 10) Time allowed for tests a) and b) together: 1 hour and 10 minutes Reminder: + You may only choose one answer per question, * No corrections can be made on the optical reader form (do not use an eraser, correction fluid or similar). + No new optical reader forms will be distributed. + Wrong answers will not be penalised. + You may use the question paper as a draft. DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO! © European Communities, 2005OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AST/2/04 Assistants (B*3) Field “European Public Administration/Human Resources” Test a) Test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions to assess your specialised knowledge in the field chosen Questions numbered from 1 to 50 © European Communities, 2005Several new Articles were introduced in the general provisions of the new Staff Regulations of the European Communities in force since 1 May 2004. These Articles relate, among other things, to: a) the principle of the equal treatment of persons b) moral and sexual harassment ©) equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace -d) All three of the above answers are correct ‘The new EU Financial Regulation which entered into force on 1 January 2003 introduces an internal audit function: a) only at the Commission ) only at the Court of Auditors ©) in all Community institutions 4) at the Council and the Commission Which of the following major budgetary principles does not apply to the European Community budget? a) unity b) universality c) multi-annuality 4d) equilibrium |. The right of association of officials: a) is recognised by the Staff Regulations of the European Communities \) has been recognised in the judgments of the Court of Justice ©) is recognised by a protocol negotiated between staff and the appointing authority in 1968 4) is recognised by a Commission Directive Under the draft European Constitution to reach a qualified majority in the Couneil, the double majority required is: 2) 55% of the Member States representing 65% of the population of the EU b) 55% of the Member States representing 55% of the population of the EU c) 60% of the Member States representing 65% of the population of the EU. 4) 60% of the Member States representing 70% of the population of the EU ‘The normal length of the probationary period for newly recruited officials of the European ‘Communities is: a) 3 months b) 6 months c) 9 months 4) 12 months7. 10. W 12. Officials of the European Communities: a) may engage in an outside activity ifit is unpaid b) may not engage in any outside activity, whether paid or unpaid c) may not engage in any outside activity, whether paid or unpaid, unless they have first obtained permission from the appointing authority 4) may engage in any outside activity ‘What procedure is not authorised by the EU Financial Regulation in the field of contracts and procurement? a) the open procedure b) the restricted procedure ©) the negotiated procedure 4) the simplified procedure Which institutions have legislative power under the codecision procedure? a) the Committee of the Regions and Parliament b) the Commission and Parliament c) the Commission and the Council ) the Council and Parliament Activity Based Budgeting is a method: a) used by the European Parliament when it wants to put appropriations into reserve b) which enables all expenditure relating to an activity to be charged independently of whether it is operational or administrative ©) used exclusively by the Court of Auditors 6) relating exclusively to expenditure on operational policies . The policy of equal opportunities for officials of the European Communities provides that: a) the burden of proof in cases of discrimination falls on the official concerned since 2005 b) sexual harassment is not recognised as a discriminatory act ©) the principle of equal treatment does not prevent the institutions from adopting positive discrimination measures in favour of an under-represented gender 4) there is as yet no special leave for adopting a child Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents: a) requires all officials to provide access to all documents in the name of transparency b) provides that the Commission must automatically refuse access to a document where its disclosure would be detrimental to the image of the Members of the Commission ©) provides that the institutions must refuse access to a document where its disclosure would be detrimental to the protection of the public interest, particularly as regards public safety 4) lays down the basic principle that access to documents is refused save in exceptional cases13, OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) 2) an independent investigation department at the Commission, but under the authority of one of its members b) an independent investigation department attached to the European Parliament c) an investigation department attached to the judicial bodies of the Member States 4) a department responsible exclusively for drawing up annual statistics on the fight against fraud 14, The Staff Regulations of the European Communities: a) forbid any kind of discrimination in their application based, among other things, on political opinions b) lay down quotas by mother tongue for the recruitment of officials ©) lay down quotas by nationality for the recruitment of nationals of each Member State 4) provide for their automatic review every two years 15. Provisions for the protection of personal data at the European institutions: a) do not exist so far b) are laid down in a Regulation directly applicable by all Community institutions and bodies ©) apply only to data relating to officials 4) authorise the Commission alone to handle personal data 16. Under the Staff Regulations of the European Communities, a person may not be appointed an official: ** a) if they are above 55 years of age ») if they cannot prove that they have a knowledge of at least three Community languages ©) if they cannot produce the appropriate character references as to their suitability for the performance of their duties 4) if member of their family already works for one of the institutions 17. The EU budget is finally adopted by: a) the President of the Council of Ministers in office at the time the budget exercise is closed ) the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council of Ministers simultaneously ©) the President of the European Parliament 4) the College of Commissioners after the prior approval of the budgetary authority 18. The Community institutions use multi-annual financial frameworks as a means of maintaining budgetary discipline and projecting future spending, The current framework covers the period: a) 2000-2010 b) 2000-2006 c) 2004-2012 d) 2000-200519, 20. 2. 22. 2. 24, ‘The European Union’s Civil Service Tribunal: a) is competent for disputes between officials and the national public administrations of the countries in the European Union b) is competent for disputes between the institutions of the European Communities and their servants ©) has not yet been set up 4) will be set up in November 2005 ‘Which of the following is true? a) The European Ombudsman was first elected in 2004 b) The European Ombudsman deals with complaints about maladministration and violation of rights by the European institutions ©) The European Ombudsman deals with complaints about maladministration by the national authorities 4) Staff of the EU institutions cannot complain to the Ombudsman The role of the political parties at European level as a factor for integration within the EU: a) is recognised in the Treaty establishing the European Community b) is one of the principles contained in the Robert Schuman declaration ) was recognised by the Nice Treaty 4) is currently under discussion at the intergovernmental conference What is “outplacement”? a) Outplacement is a human resources service designed to send officials to delegations outside the EU ) Outplacement is a human resources service designed to offer professional and practical support and reassurance to departing staff ©) Outplacement is a human resources service designed to post badly placed officials to other jobs inside the organisation 4) None of the above Job Analysis is a process designed to identify and determine in detail the particular duties and requirements and the relative importance of these duties for a given job. This means that the product of the analysis is: a) a description of the jobholder. b) a description or specification of the job, not a description of the jobholder. ¢) a description or specification of the skills and competences of the jobholder. 4) none of the above. | ‘A European Works Council or a procedure for informing and consulting employees must ) be set up in undertakings employing: a) at least 1,000 persons spread over at least two Member States b) at least 1,000 employees within the Member States and at least 150 employees in each of at least two Member States c) at least 150 persons in at least two Member States 4) at least 150 employees in at least three different Member States25, 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. In the field of pensions, the second pillar is: a) the amount deducted by employers from pay to finance basic pensions b) the compulsory amount paid by employers, in addition to pay, to finance basic pensions ©) the amount paid by employers towards a supplementary pension 4) the amount saved voluntarily by employees and paid into a supplementary pension scheme According to Parkinson’s Law: a) the more time there is to do a job, the longer the job takes b) staff are promoted until they reach their level of incompetence ©) promotion should be given to the incompetent to get them out of the way 4) 20% of employees do 80% of the work A bureaucratic organisation is an organisation in which: a) authority is based on formalised rules b) authority is based on social status ©) authority depends on the personal qualities of the leader 4) authority emanates from the State ‘What is the mission of the Internal Audit Service (IAS) and its auditors in the Institutions? a) The Internal Audit Service (IAS) exists to help the Institutions make the best possible use of available tesources b) Internal auditors are people who find out what is wrong and blow the whistle c) Internal auditors fix problems where it is necessary to do so 4) The sole mission of the IAS is to promote a better understanding of the Institutions” internal control landscape Professional training is not aimed at: a) assessing staff b) training in the new technologies ©) improving productivity 4) promoting staff integration Under Article 274 of the EC Treaty, the budget is implemented: a) by the Commission in accordance with the regulations b) by the Commission, in cooperation with the Council, in accordance with European law ©) by the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, in accordance with European law 4) by the Commission, in cooperation with the European Parliament, in accordance with the regulations31. 32. 33. 34, 35. 36. 37. If an official of the European Communities is pursued by a criminal justice system for acts committed outside his or her duties, what will the attitude of his/her institution be as regards internal disciplinary procedures? a) take no notice of the acts because they are outside his/her field of activity b) refer the person to the internal disciplinary bodies ©) sack the official involved from the moment he or she is accused 4) take a final decision after the criminal court judge has ruled ‘What may not be included in the personal file of employees? a) a divorce judgment b) achild adoption certificate ©) their medical files 4) their birth certificate Ergonomics is a science aimed at: a) adapting the task to the individual b) adapting the individual to the task c) ensuring the right conditions for efficiency and health in the workplace 4) improving the professional skills of the individual Working time organisation must not be aimed at: a) adapting the organisation of work to business fluctuations b) allowing working and resting times to be individualised ©) requiring staff to attend vocational training courses 4) lengthening the time in which equipment is used The percentage of women members of the European Parliament is: a) 15.5% b) 21.4% ©) 32% d) 42.2% What is a standard contract? a) acontract concluded with an individual person b) an agreement between two private companies in the same sector of industry ©) a fixed-term contract d) a model applicable to more than one specific case A call for tender is designed to: a) make several potential suppliers compete against one another b) define a procurement contract c) obtain a list of all the suppliers on the market 4) sell goods at the highest possible price38. Managing contracts with external firms does not necessarily require: a) regular personal contact with the managers of the firms in question b) an exact knowledge of the terms of the contracts, ©) close supervision of deliveries or service providers 4) a good knowledge of internal authorisation channels 39. The budget of the European Union is financed out of: a) a special tax paid by taxpayers in the Member States b) a contribution paid by the Member States according to their population, and a contribution based on VAT ©) the sum of customs duties and similar levies, a contribution based on VAT and a contribution based on the GNI (gross national income) of the Member States 4) a contribution paid by the Member States based on their respective GNP (gross national product) 40. Function evaluation a) the yearly evaluation of the efficiency, competence and conduct of the person in relation to the job description b) the evaluation of the relative importance of a specific job in an organisation, for example in order to use objective criteria when determining the salary range linked to that job ©) amethod of increasing motivation in the organisation by improving leadership, know- how and level of tesponsibility 4) the objective of a human resources audit in an organisation 41. A matrix organisation is: a) an organisation in which strange things happen that nobody can explain b) an organisation with multiple reporting lines c) a project organisation 4) an organisation with a high percentage of scientists 42. The reliability of a selection procedure is measured by: a) the extent to which luck and circumstances have an influence on the selection decision b) the degree of confidentiality observed by the members of the selection board ©) the number of applicants in relation to the number of vacancies 4) the proportion of numerical reasoning questions in the procedure 43. The reform of the human resources management systems in the EU did not deal with: a) career structure b) management development c) equal opportunities d) the 6” framework programme 44. Which new feature does the draft European Constitution not introduce? a) the creation of the position of an EU Minister of Foreign Affairs b) the revolving Presidency of the European Council c) double majority in the Council 4) holding Council meetings in public when it acts as legislator45. Do the new Staff Regulations of the European Communities provide for the possibility for assistants to become administrators? a) yes, by taking an external or internal competition, or by means of the certification procedure. b) yes, by obtaining promotion or by means of the certification procedure ©) yes, by taking an external competition or by means of the attestation procedure. d) All these answers are wrong. 46, Which of the following countries has the fewest members of the European Parliament? a) France b) Italy ©) the United Kingdom d) Spain 47. During plenary sessions of the European Parliament, a quorum is reached when: a) half of the members + 1 are present in the chamber b) one third of all members are present in the chamber c) 10% of all members are present in the chamber d) 55% of all members are present in the chamber 48. In the European Parliament, what procedure applies to all major international agreements? a) the codecision procedure ) the consultation procedure c) the assent procedure 4) the cooperation procedure 49, Which of the following computer programmes do you think is not suitable for the ‘management of office material? a) Excel b) FrontPage ¢) Oracle d) Access 50. In a public budget, a “transfer” of appropriations consists of: a) transferring a given amount to a beneficiary ) transferring an amount from one budget line to another c) carrying over an amount from one financial year to the next 4) cancelling a given amountEN OPEN COMPETITIONS EPSO/AST/2/04 & EPSO/AST/3/04 Assistants (B*3) Test b) Test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of the European Union and EU Institutions Questions numbered from 51 to 70 © European Communities, 200551. Who is President of the European Council? a) the President of the European Union b) the head of State or government of the EU country with the largest population sc) the bead of State or government whose country holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. @) the heads of State or government of the six founding member countries of the EEC by rotation 52. The Treaty establishing the European Defence Community (EDC): a) was signed before the Treaty of Rome (EEC Treaty) ) was signed after the Treaty of Rome ©) was signed at the same time as the Treaty of Rome ~ d)_ was never signed 53, How many official languages has the European Union had since the enlargement ‘of 1 May 2004? a) 25 b) 22 c) 18 +d) 20 54, 2004 was designated as the European Year of: +a) Education through sport b) Young people ©) Music d) Languages 55. EUROSTAT is the name of a) an organisation set up by the Council of Europe +b) aservice within the European Commission ©) an independent European institution reporting to the European Council 4d) a UN organisation specialising in statistics relating to Europe 56. Which one of the following Member States is not in the euro area? a) Finland -b) Denmark ©) Ireland d) Greece 57. Which of the following Member States makes the biggest net contribution to the Community budget? a) Spain b) Italy ©) United Kingdom +d) France58, Following the 2004 enlargement, how many Members has the European Parliament? a) 2,500 b) 732 ©) 723 4) 623 59. Who of the following has never been President of the European Commission? va) Valéry Giscard dEstaing b) Jacques Santer c) Jacques Delors d) Walter Halistein 60. Which country will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2006? a) United Kingdom b) Austria ©) Finland @) Spain 61. Which of the following gives the discharge to the European Commission for the implementation of the EU budget? a). the European Parliament on a recommendation from the Council +b) the Council on a recommendation from the European Parliament ©) the European Parliament on a recommendation from the Couneil and the Commission ) the European Parliament and the European Court of Auditors 62. The European Environment Agency (EEA) is located in: a) Copenhagen b) Lisbon c) Berlin d) Brussels 63. Who was the President of the European Parfiament on 1 January 2005? a) Nicole Fontaine b) José Manuel Barroso +c) Josep Borrel d) Javier Solana 64, Which Treaty was signed in 1957? +a) the Treaty of Rome b) the Treaty of Maastricht c) the Treaty of Lisbon d) the Treaty of The Hague65. In which Treaty did the concept ofa "common foreign and security policy" first appear? a) the Treaty of Rome b) the Treaty of Maastricht c) the Treaty of Amsterdam 4) the Treaty of Nice 66. What took place in Athens in April 2003? +a) the signing of the Treaty of Accession of the 10 new Member States of the European Union b) an extraordinary meeting at which the accession of the 10 new Member States of the European Union was approved ©) an extraordinary meeting on the question of Cyprus's reunification 4) anextraordinary meeting at which a financial contribution from the European Union was granted to Greece for the organisation of the Athens Olympic Games 67. To become a member of the European Union, candidate countries must meet, economic and political conditions known as the: a) Convergence criteria +b) Copenhagen criteria c) Stability Pact ) Charter of Fundamental Rights 68. Which Treaty states that from 2002 European Council meetings will take place in Brussels? a) the Single European Act b) the Treaty of Maastricht c) the Treaty of Amsterdam. +d) the Treaty of Nice 69. Which procedure leads to the signing of an Accession Treaty to the European Union? The Treaty is: a) submitted to Partiament for its opinion and presented to the Couneil for signing ) submitted to the Commission for its opinion and to Parliament for assent, then presented to the Council for signing ©). submitted to the Commission for its opinion, then presented to the Council for signing | 4) submitted to Parliament for assent and to the Commission for its opinion, then | presented to the Council for signing 70. The composer of the European Anthem is: a) Sibelius +b) Beethoven ©) Mozart @) BachEN OPEN COMPETITIONS EPSO/AST/2/04 & EPSO/AST/3/04 Assistants (B*3) Test c) Test comprising a series of multiple-choice questions to assess your general ability, in particular your verbal and numerical reasoning skills Time allowed: 1 hour ‘This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20) Questions numbered from 1 to 36 Reminder: ‘+ Ineach of the following exercises, you will be asked questions that refer to a given text or table. ‘You must choose the correct answer to each question. * Use only the information provided in the text or table to reach your conclusion. It should be emphasized that you should not use (fore)knowledge of any kind and that the comeciness of all answers is based solely on the information provided in the text or table. + You may only choose one answer per question, * No corrections can be made on the optical reader form (do not use an eraser, correction fluid or similar). No new optical reader forms will be distributed. ‘You may not use a calculator or any other similar device. Wrong answers will not be penalised. ‘You may use the question paper as a draft. Please note that numbers are expressed using a decimal point and a comma to separate hundreds. Example: 1,125.25 = one thousand one hundred and twenty-five and twenty-five hundredths. DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO! (© European Communities, 2005EUROCEAN 2004, the blue landmark of the European Research Area Seas and oceans are a vital resource for Europe and the world, particularly in terms of fishing and extracting minerals. But our oceans are now under intense pressure from over-exploitation and more than ever need to be managed in a sustainable way. To help ensure the protection and sustainable use of ‘marine resources, 500 leading scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders will meet for three days starting today at the EUROCEAN 2004 conference. The Commission will present the latest EU research on marine science, with 130 projects. EUROCEAN 2004 is jointly organised by the European Commission and the Irish Presidency of the European Union. EU-funded marine research project participants will showcase their research and development (R&D) results at the Conference. 1. Which statement about EUROCEAN 2004 is correct? a) Itis an annual forum that brings scientists and researchers face to face with the citizens. ) Itis a conference organised by associations working to protect the marine environment. ©) It isa scientific project to be presented alongside 129 other projects. d) Its a conference on the marine environment that brings together those with a professional interest in the seas and oceans and researchers specialising in this area. 2. What is the Commission's intention? a) To launch a public-gwareness campaign to collect funds ) To take stock of the situation together with those working in the sector at the EUROCEAN 2004 Conference. ©) To make EUROCEAN 2004 a multi-annual conference. d) To lay down stricter standards for exploiting the seas and oceans. 3. What is the current situation as regards the oceans? a) They are used for testing out research and development (R&D) schemes b) They are over-exploited, particularly for extracting minerals, and this contributes to their degradation. ©) They are over-exploited and this puts their sustainability at risk. They do not contribute sufficiently to the protection of marine resources.Road density in EU-15 (km/1 000 km?) EU-15 | Country A ] Country B | Country C | Country D | Country E 1980 |_340 180 360 390 216 120 2000 | 390 195 #0 120 270 130 4. Country B has an area of 90 600 km?. What was the total length, rounded off to the nearest kilometre, of the roads in country B in 2000? a) 20133 km b) 32616 km ©) 40770km d) 73 386 km 5. The road density of country D will change proportionately by the same amount between 2000 and 2020 as it did between 1980 and 2000. What will country D's road density be in 2020? a) 216 km/1 000 km* b) 291.6 kmm/1 000 km? ©) 337.5 kmv/i 000 km? 4) 486 km/1 000 km? 6. By what amount did the average road density of countries A and B exceed that of countries D and E in 1980? a) 102 km/1 000 km? b) 122.5 km/I 000 km* c) 204 km/1 000 km? 4) 276 km/1 000 knFNew measures to improve market access to port services ‘The European Commission has adopted a new proposal for a Directive on Market Access to Port Services, which aims to boost the competitiveness of EU ports and to help to reduce congestion and environmental pollution, in particular by promoting maritime transport. This new EU legislation introduces specific, clear rules on access to the market for the provision of port services, which is almost the only transport sector where no Community legal framework exists, and it secks to create a level playing field for competition between ports. The port services market is characterised by the complexity and variety of the applicable national rules, the heterogeneous nature of the port services and the diversity of the ports. Proper account therefore needs to be taken of each port’s specificities and their relevance for its users, operators, owners, elc. 7. What is the objective, amongst others, of the European Commission's proposal for a Directive? a) To encourage national moves to draw up suitable regulations. ) To reduce environmental pollution by stimulating the use of maritime transport. ©) To stimulate competition between ports by laying down specific rules for each port 4) To limit the number of ports by introducing strict Community rules 8. Which statement is correct regarding the specificities of the port services market? a) The Directive will foster competition between ports on equal conditions. b) The European Commission is not concemed about the competitiveness of the Community's ports. ©) Current national rules are clear, simple, uniform and homogeneous. ) The importance a port may have for the operators need not be taken into account,Trade and development: success stories in EU trade-related assistance Trade is a key priority for the EU’s development policy, As well as working to achieve improved ‘market access and international trade rules, the EU also provides assistance to help developing countries with the practicalities of benefiting from international trade. Such efforts have been a success. Fair trade projects in India and Mexico, for example, have boosted micro-businesses, brought women into the labour markets and launched new brands. Trade-related assistance aims to help companies and sectors as well as regions, governments and institutions in developing countries. It covers an amazingly diverse range of issues including assistance in multilateral negotiations, customs reforms, infrastructure ‘improvements, product-safety schemes and support to private companies in accessing export markets. 9. What is one of the objectives of the EU in this area? a) To teach concepts that the countries must then put into practice on their own. b) To assist developing countries in a range of trade-related areas. ©) To take charge of all multilateral negotiations and customs reforms. ) To limit market access to help a growing number of women on the labour market. 10. Which of the following results has already been achieved by trade-related assistance offered by the EU? a) The assistance has allowed the number of women on the labour market to be reduced. b) EU assistance has ensured trade between India and Mexico is fairer. c) EU assistance has helped to boost some micro-businesses in India and Mexico. d) EU support has led to stricter safety rules for production. 11. Which of the following is something the EU does? a) It provides practical assistance where problems arise, for instance as regards exports, b) It pays for marketing campaigns for new brands. c) It provides practical support for private companies only. 4) It does give some advice, even though trade is not among its prioritiesEU eco-label: European Flower Week takes off! European Flower Week seeks to promote the EU's eco-label in nine member countries. A wealth of different marketing activities are planned to raise the profile of the Flower and show people how to find products and services that have been awarded the prestigious European eco-label. Activities vary aocording to local priorities. Retailers and producers, consumer and environmental groups and national authorities take part. The Flower is the EU eco-label and allows producers who sell their products across Europe to use the same label everywhere. It was established in 1992 to promote, across Europe, products which have a reduced environmental impact. Products applying for the Flower are checked by independent bodies for compliance with strict ecological and performance criteria. 12, What is one of the aims of European Flower Week? a) To step up quality checks on all products in nine Member States for a week ) To introduce an EU eco-label that does not yet exist in order to respond to demand from producers. ©) To promote an EU eco-label that certifies compliance with strict ecological criteria. 4) To-promote respect for the environment and in particular for flowers that are becoming extinct 13, Which of the following statements is correct? a) Producers who sell'their products throughout Europe can use one and the same eco-label. ) Checks on products are performed by the producers and retailers. ©) Retailers are not allowed to take part in the events organised for European Flower Week. 4) The programme of events has been strictly defined and is identical across the Member States.Animals (°000) used for experimental purposes in EU Member States (1999) ; > pee Belgium | Denmark | Germany| France | BU-15 ice “rasa 60 | 9s [sso 5900 _| Rats ie7_| 85 405 | 460_| 2610 {Cold-blooded creatures | 65 20 | 180 | 30 | 650 [Birds _ 20 5 90 85 | 450 Rabbits a [7 oo | so | 228 | fothers ss |e) 90 | as | 42) [Total 790_| 350 | 1600 | 2300 | 9800 14, In 1999, what percentage did rabbits and cold-blooded creatures make up of the animals used in laboratories in Germany? a) 2% b) 6% ©) 15% @d 17% 15. What percentage of the total number of mice used for experimental purposes in EU-15 laboratories were used in Belgian laboratories? a) 4% b) 8% ©) 13% d) 54% 16. In both France and Belgium, 4/5 of the birds used for experimental purposes were quails. What conclusion can one draw regarding the number of quails used for experimental purposes by those two countries in 19997 a) France used 48 000 more quails than Belgium. b) France used 52 000 more quails than Belgium. ©) France used 65 000 more quails than Belgium. 4) France used 69 000 more quails than Belgium.Restructuring and conversion of vineyards The European Commission has adopted two decisions on the restructuring and conversion of vineyards. ‘Member States can obtain annual subsidies for the restructuring and conversion of a set number of hectares of vineyards. Improvement of the quality of vines and the alignment of supply and demand are priorities. The vineyard restructuring and conversion programmes financed by the EU offer wine producers the support needed for these actions. The Commission grants the subsidies to Member States on the basis of objective criteria, taking into account particular situations and needs, and based on the ‘Member State’s share of the total EU area under vines. Each Member State's indicative subsidy can be adjusted taking into account the purposes of the scheme and within the limit of available funds and following the Member States’ notification of their actual expenditure and expenditure forecasts 17. What is one of the aims of the subsidies made available to the Member States? a) An increase in the number of hectares under vines of all wine producers. b) Better alignment of supply and demand for reasons of food security. ©) The granting of the same amount of funding in all Member States in order to remain objective. 4) Support for practical measures to improve the quality of vines 18. What does the restructuring and conversion of vineyards involve? a) An obligation on producers to report the number of hectares under vines to the Commission. ) Better adjustment of;products marketed to changes in demand. ©) An obligation on Member States to exchange information on expenditure incurred for conversion. | 4) Unlimited EU financing of all expenditure on this project. 19. Which statement is correct as regards the amount of the subsidy granted? a) The indicative subsidy decided by the Commission will not be adjusted under any circumstances b) The subsidy is reviewed every six months, in line with expenditure incurred by the Member States ©) The share of the total EU area under vines is one of the criteria for calculating the amount of the subsidy. 4) The subsidy can be used for purposes other than restructuring or reconversion.Amateur spo! Js there any reason why a European citizen established in a Member State other than his or her own should be able to vote, and indeed stand in local elections when their children, educated in the same country, are not allowed to take part in amateur sports competitions? According to the European Commission, this paradox could arise in certain Member States. The practice of an amateur sport is ‘essential to European citizens living in other EU countries as it helps them to integrate more fully into the life of their host country. The Commission considers that the right to take part in certain competitions organised by a sports federation must be regarded as a social benefit and that restrictions in this field based on nationality cannot be justified. The principle of equal treatment in social benefits has already been established in the area of the free movement of workers. European Commission seeks to end discrimination 20. Which statement regarding the paradoxical situation that could arise in some Member States is correct? a) The Commission considers that the right to take part in certain competitions is not a social benefit ») Practising an amateur sport does not help people to become integrated into the life of their host country. ©) There is discrimination in amateur sport only, not at other sporting levels. 4) Nationality cannot be a criterion for exclusion from amateur sports competitions, 21. Which of the following statements is correct? a) European citizens have a right to take part in competitions of all levels.in any country. ') There is no restriction at present on taking part in sports competitions. ¢) The right to take part in amateur sports competitions must be guaranteed, just like the right to vote. 4) The Commission is satisfied at the way those taking part in sports competitions are selected. itsEuropean Commission approves Italian regional aid to develop road-sea combined transport The Commission has authorised a set of aid measures to restructure road haulage and to develop combined transport, The objective of the aid scheme is to promote road-sea combined transport services on long-distance links between ports in Sicily and other Italian and Community ports. The scheme has been designed as an experimental pilot project and aims to achieve a structural change in the current system by encouraging road hauliers, in particular smaller companies, to form organisational groups to make better use of combined road-sea transport. Beneficiaries will be small and medium-sized transport enterprises established in the European Union that engage in road-haulage activities on their own account or on behalf of third parties. However, undertakings already engaged in combined road-sea transport operations and those currently operating combined road-rail transport will not be eligible under the measure. 22. What is one of the objectives of the aid measures? a) To encourage enterprises to form organisational groups to give a boost to road haulage. b) To encourage large enterprises to combine their haulage operations with those of smaller firms. ©) To promote short-distance links between Italian ports and other Community ports. 4) To encourage small enterprises to form groups in order to combine road and sea transport. 23. Which of the following statements is correct? a) The aid measures seek to bring a change in the way small and medium-sized enterprises utilise transport routes, 'b) Only transport operations performed by large firms on their own account can qualify under the aid measures. ©) These measures will encourage firms operating combined road-rail transport to increase this practice. 4) The only condition for the aid is that the transport operation must have its point of departure in the EU.European Commission adopts rules on aid for agriculture and fisheries ‘The European Commission has adopted a Regulation concerning aid for the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The Regulation exempts, for a period of three years, the requirement for prior notification of national aid of up to €3 000 per farmer and fisherman. This will help farmers and fishermen to cope with crisis situations. To avoid distortions of competition, Member States granting such aid will have to observe an overall ceiling roughly equal to 0.3% of agricultural and fisheries output. They may grant aid fulfiling all the conditions in the Regulation without prior approval by the Commission. But they will have to keep registers to show both ceilings have been respected. The Regulation will also cover aid granted to companies processing and marketing agricultural and fisheries products. 24. What is one of the effects of the new Regulation? a) To increase the share of national aid to the agricultural and fisheries sectors, b) To do away with the notification requirement under all circumstances and for an unlimited period. ©) To distribute a flat-rate amount of €3 000 to assist farmers and fishermen. d) To reduce red tape in order to deal with a particular crisis situation. 25. Which of the following statements is correct?” a) Aceiling must be set if distortion of competition is to be limited. b) The Member States can decide on their own on all the conditions for granting the aid c) The Commission is no longer responsible for approving national aid in excess of €3 000. 4) The Member States must not record data where the amount is less than €3 000, wu‘The future of Europe’s cities: the European City Summit More than 600 representatives from cities in all EU Member States are meeting for the European City Summit, The European Commission has invited mayors, representatives of community groups and other stakeholders to discuss the new challenges facing cities in the enlarged EU. The agenda includes a discussion of the Commission’s proposals for future European policy in this field. Cities are the driving force for economic growth and innovation. They are in the frontline in the battle for environmental sustainability and social integration. The Commission proposes to strengthen the role of cities in the next generation of European development programmes duc to start in 2007. The proposal would mean enhanced funding for projects in cities, more decentralised management and greater ‘emphasis on exchanging best practices. 26. Which of the following statements is correct? a) The only role the cities must play is to organise projects to encourage social integration. b) Only mayors and representatives of community groups can take part in the European City ‘Summit. ©) The new EU development programmes will be implemented from 2007 onwards 4) Exchanging best practice does not need greater emphasis. 27, Which statement is correct regarding the new challenges facing cities? a) The Commission has not yet made proposals on future EU policy. ) Cities will be able to draw on greater funds for urban projects. ©) Cities have no role to play in developing a sustainable environmental policy. 4) The European Commission has sole responsibility for dealing with problems of social integration, ulPrison population in France T Less than] 40 years fers Re™nd | 18<25 | 25<30 | 30<40 Convicts |prsoners| Male] Female | 18 yea years od years ok | years old) O14 20 july 2001 34925 | 4875 | 47310 | 2490 | 996 | 1iasa | 7470 | 12450 | 17.430 we since July | | 1000 +0.6% | -15% | -43% | -9.9% | -3.8% | -3.5% | -8.9% | -5.3% | -2.9% 28, In July 2001, 20% of the females in prison were less than 25 years old. How many male prisoners Jess than 25 years old were there in French prisons in July 2001? a) 9960 b) 11952, ©) 10956 d) 10458 29. How many remand prisoners were there in France in July 2000? a) 2230 b) 12.640 ©) 17100 d) 17500 30. What percentage of the French prison population was 30 or over in July 2001? a) 25% b) 55% ©) 60% d) 85.5%Peaceful uses of nuclear energy: cooperation agreement with Japan ‘Today the European Commission adopted a recommendation to the Council to conclude an agreement ‘on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the European Atomic Energy Community and Japan. The agreement will provide a stable framework for the development of nuclear trade between the two Parties and for closer cooperation in other areas of common interest, such as research into nuclear fission and radioprotection. The cooperation agreement with Japan on the peaceful uses of muclear energy is of particular interest to the EU since itis the first to be negotiated with a country that is one of the main clients of the European nuclear industry. The agreement lays the foundations for a commercial relationship set initially to run for 30 years. Industry will thus have the stable and predictable long-term framework it needs to conclude and implement commercial arrangements in the nuclear field. 31. Which statement is correct as regards the development of nuclear trade? a) This will be the second agreement to be negotiated with one of the EU’s principal clients ). The sector offers no long-term prospects for industry. ©) The cooperation agreement with Japan covers the development of nuclear trade only. 6) There could be synergy in nuclear-fission research between the EU and Japan 32. Which of the following statements is correct? a) The EU is one of the main clients of Japan’s nuclear industry. ) The agreement cannot be concluded until the stability of nuclear activity in Japan is guaranteed, ©) One of the advantages of collaboration with Japan lies in the field of scientific research. ) The peaceful uses of nuclear energy are not a factor in the agreement. 33. Which statement is correct regarding cooperation between the EU and Japan? a) A commercial relationship for a period as long as 30 years cannot be contemplated. b) A stable context is important for the implementation of trade agreements. ©) One of the conditions for the agreement is that Japan can continue research into radioprotection onits own, 4) The agreement’s value lies in Japan’s becoming a new customer of the nuclear industry. BEU-China trade in raw materials and manufactured products € million) imports from | ] [Exports to Chinal___China Balince | x 2003, 199 2003, 1999] 2003 1575] 2250, 2700 398 36d s3 120 1800 - 840-1270 | Tood 160d 120d 150d __- 2 100 mnergy 2,123 esd = 85 56 fanufactured | oducts: ____|17.800|_38 000] 50 00 101 000_- 32 200_- 63 0 |Chemical products 170d 340d 200d 3700 - 300 - 30 jachinery and vehicles 1B 26 600 18000 46300-5000, - 19 70 Lo ___ other _ 310d 8.000 30000 51000 - 26900 - 43 00% 34, What percentage of the manufactured products exported to China from the EU in 2003 did ‘machinery and vehicles account for? a) 75% b) 70% 0) 14% d 4% 35. Imports of food products from China rose by 150% between 1999 and 2001. How did imports of food products develop between 2001 and 2003? a) Imports of food products stood at the same level in 2001 and 2003. 'b) Imports of food products fell by 80% between 2001 and 2003. c) Imports of food products fell by 60% between 2001 and 2003. 4) Imports of food products fell by 40% between 2001 and 2003 36. What change occurred in imports of manufactured products from China between 1999 and 2003? a) Imports of manufactured products rose by 102% between 1999 and 2003, b) Imports of manufactured products rose by 51% between 1999 and 2003. ©) Imports of manufactured products rose by 49% between 1999 and 2003. 4) Imports of manufactured products rose by 2% between 1999 and 2003, “4European public administration/human resources - Field 1 OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AST/2/04 - Field 1 Assistants (B*3) Written test d) Time allowed: 2 hours This test will be marked out of 40 (pass mark: 20) This test is being distributed in the following languages: English (EN), French (FR), German (DE), Danish (DA), Greek (EL), Spanish (ES), Finnish (FD, Italian (IT), Dutch (NL), Portuguese (PT) and Swedish (SV). You may answer in any of these languages (either the same as for the pre-selection tests or a different one). Note for the Cypriot candidates: you may not answer in Greek if Greek is your main language. Please mention the language chosen on the envelope. You have to choose only one of the subjects proposed and to answer all of the corresponding questions. Please indicate the subject you have chosen on the first line of your answer sheet. Do not sign any of your answer sheets or make any distinguishing marks. CONCOURS GENERAL EPSO/AST/2/04 - Domaine 1 Assistants (B*3) Epreuve écrite d) Durée de I"épreuve : 2 heures Cette épreuve sera notée de 0 4 40 points (minimum requis : 20) Cette épreuve est distribuée dans les langues suivantes : anglais (EN), frangais (FR), allemand (DE), danois (DA), gree (EL), espagnol (ES), finnois (FI), italien (IT), néerlandais (NL), portugais (PT) et suédois (SV). Vous pouvez répondre au choix dans une de ces langues (soit la méme que cette utilisée pour les tests de présélection, soit une autre). Remarque pour les candidats chypriotes : vous ne pouvez pas répondre en grec si votre langue principale est le grec. Veuillez mentionner la langue choisie sur l’enveloppe. Vous devez choisir un des sujets proposés et répondre a toutes les questions correspondantes. Veuillez indiquer le sujet choisi sur la premiere ligne de votre feuille de réponse. Ne signez pas vos feuilles de réponse et n'y apposez. aucun signe distinctif. ALLGEMEINES AUSWAHLVERFAHREN EPSO/AST/2/04 — Sachgebiet 1 Verwaltungsinspektorinnen und Verwaltungsinspektoren (B*3) Schriftliche Priifung d) Priifungsdauer: 2 Stunden Diese Priifung wird von 0 bis 40 Punkten bewertet (erforderliche Mindestpunktzahl: 20) Diese Priifung wird in den folgenden Sprachen verteilt: Englisch (EN), Franzésisch (FR), Deutsch (DE), Danisch (DA), Griechisch (EL), Spanisch (ES), Finnisch (FM), Italienisch (IT), Niederlindisch (NL), Portugiesisch (PT) und Schwedisch (SV). Sie kénnen wablen, in welcher Sprache Sie antworten méchten (entweder in derselben Sprache in der Sie die Vorauswahltests abgelegt haben oder in einer anderen), Hinweis fiir zypriotische Bewerber: Sie dirfen nicht die griechische Sprache wihlen, wenn dies Ihre Hauptsprache ist Bitte vermerken Sie auf dem Umschlag, welche Sprache Sie gewahlt haben. Sie miissen eines der vorgeschlagenen Themen wihlen und alle entsprechenden Fragen beantworten. Bitte geben Sie das gewiihlte Thema auf der ersten Linie Ihres Antwortbogens an. Bitte setzen Sie keine Unterscbrift oder andere erkennbare Zeichen auf die Antwortbégen. DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO VEUILLEZ NE PAS TOURNER CETTE PAGE AVANT LE SIGNAL BITTE ERST UMBLATTERN, WENN SIE DAZU AUFGEFORDERT WERDEN © European Communities, 2005/@ Communauté européennes, 2005/0 Europtische Gemeinschaften, 2005EN Subject 1. Mr X submits a project to obtain Community funds for measures to assist people with disabilities, The Commission takes a reasoned decision to reject the project. Mr X has brought court case against this decision. ‘At the same time, Mr X makes a request for access to all the documents relating to this rejection, including the opinions of the Commission's Legal Service and documents from certain Member States. The Commission refuses this request as a whole, without giving reasons. Mr X complains against this refusal to the European Ombudsman, who considers that it might constitute maladministration and asks the Commission for its comments. This is all you know about the substance of the case. Your hierarchical superior asks you to prepare a memorandum containing (1) a brief general review of the role of the European Ombudsman and his powers, (2) all the arguments on which the Commission could rely to justify its rejection of the request for documents and, conversely, (3) all the arguments in favour of the Commission's accepting the request. Subject 2. What is the EU's policy on the award of public contracts? Prepare a memorandum summarising in particular: - the bases for this policy; ~ how the policy is implemented; = the main features of the policy. Subject 3. 1. Draft an overview of the policy on equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the European Union including, in particular: ~ its principles; ~ its scope; - the measures already taken and still to be taken, I Whatis the impact of this policy within the European Institutions?EN Subject 4. Your institution has decided to open a representation in a capital of a new Member State. It intends to send 8 officials: 1 Head of Representation, 2 Administrators (AD) and 5 Assistants (AST). A further 3 people (secretariat and administrative support staff) will be recruited locally. ‘Your Head of Unit asks you to prepare a report setting out the administrative steps to be taken to allow: = the recruitment of local staff; ~ the establishment of the representation; ~ preparation of the administrative budget (list the main items without providing estimated figures).European public administration/human resources - Field 1 OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AST/2/04 — Field 1 Assistants (B* 3) Written test e) Time allowed : 30 minutes This test will be marked out of 10 (pass-mark: 8) Short memo in your main language (language 1) setting out the arguments and conclusions from test d). This test is designed to assess your command of your main language as regards both the quality of your writing style and presentation J» Do not sign any of your answer sheets or make any distinguishing marks. CONCOURS GENERAL EPSO/AST/2/04 — Domaine 1 Assistants (B* 3) Epreuve écrite e) Durée de I’épreuve : 30 minutes Epreuve notée sur 10 points (minimum requis : 8) Rédaction d’une bréve note, dans votre langue principale (langue 1) exposant les arguments et les conclusions de ’épreuve d). Cette épreuve vise a tester la maitrise de votre langue principale aussi bien quant A la qualité de la rédaction que de la présentation le Ne signez pas vos feuilles de réponse et n'y apposez aucun signe distinetif. ALLGEMEINES AUSWAHLVERFAHREN EPSO/AST/2/04 — Sachgebiet 1 Verwaltungsinspektorinnen und Verwaltungsinspektoren Schriftliche Priifung e) Dauer : 30 Minuten Diese Priifung wird mit 0 bis 10 Punkten bewertet (erforderliche Mindestpunktzahl : 8) Verfassen eines kurzen Vermerks in Ihrer Hauptsprache (Sprache 1), in dem die in der Priifung d) dargelegten Argumente und Schlussfolgerungen ausgefihrt werden. Mit dieser Priifung soll anhand der Qualitit des Ausdrucks und der Darstellung beurteilt werden, inwieweit Sie Ihre Hauptsprache beherrschen. Js Bitte setzen Sie keine Unterschrift oder andere erkennbare Zeichen auf die Antwortbogen © European Communities, 2005 Communautés eurapéennes, 2005/@ Europaische Gemeinschaften, 2005If you have chosen subject 1 for test d), you have to choose subject 1 for test e). If you have chosen subject 2 for test d) you have to choose subject 2 for test e), etc. Please reply in your main language (language 1). Subject 1. In the light of your personal opinion and the arguments which you set out in test d), what should be the Commission's final reaction to the complaint to the European Ombudsman? Subject 2. State your personal opinion of this policy on the award of public contracts. Subject 3. Give your personal opinion: private sector, public sector: where is the principle of equal opportunities and non- discrimination better applied? Subject 4. Draft the advertisement to be placed in the local press to recruit the secretary to the Head of Representation.