Brussels, 04/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is expected shortly to adopt its proposal on amending the salaries of European officials. According to still provisional information, the figure for the adjustment of European officials' remuneration for the period from summer 2009 to summer 2010 could very well fall by 0.4%. The Commission is still awaiting information from a number of member states before the final figure can be reached. Last year, in a period of crisis, the Council decided not to accept the Commission proposal and to go with an increase of 1.85%, rather than the 3.7% initially planned. If the fall of 0.4% is confirmed, negotiations within the Council should be much simpler.
Staff Regulations lay down clear rules on the annual adjustment of remuneration and pensions for EU civil servants, linking them to: - the evolution of salaries in eight member states (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) representing 76% of EU GDP; - changes in the cost of living in Brussels. The Council rules on adjustment of remuneration at the end of every year. “There is always a one year time lag because the annual adjustment of EU officials' salaries is based on figures provided by member states that reflect developments during the previous reference year and which determine the adjustment of EU civil service salaries for the following year,” the Commission says. Thus, the criticism last year of the methodology resulted from the time lag in calculating national civil servants' salaries.
What is the situation for 2011? A 0.4% decrease - that is the provisional figure for the adjustment of remuneration of EU civil servants this year. This would result in: - a 2.8% decrease in the purchasing power of EU civil servants this year (0.4% decrease plus 2.4% increase in cost of living); - and a close to 6% decrease of purchasing power of EU civil servants in the period 2004 - 2010. The Commission, supported by the Parliament, has submitted an action for annulment against the Council Regulation for breaching the Staff Regulations (see EUROPE 10050). The Court will sit on 21 October 2010 and its ruling is expected in the first half of 2011. The method for adjusting remuneration will be reviewed for the start of 2013. (L.C./transl.rt)