On 24 November 1998, the Council held its second reading of the draft budget of the
Communities for 1999 ('other sections').
In the case of administrative expenditure, the Council did not alter any of Parliament's measures
relating to its own section of the budget. Nor did it alter those of the Court of Justice, the Court
of Auditors, the Economic and Social Committee or the Committee of the Regions. However, it
altered Part A of the section relating to the Commission. It reinstated its draft budget as proposed
at first reading, except as regards the amendments relating to lines A-7030 and A-7033 on
commitology meetings.
As regards the increase of EUR 50 m in the appropriations on line A-7000 (auxiliary staff)
following the reduction in expenditure on research, meetings of experts, information and
publications ('technical assistance office' expenditure), the Council reinstated the amount it had
proposed at first reading.
The Council did not accept Parliament's proposal concerning payment of arrears of pension
contributions.�