Brussels, 08/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Council of Ministers has formally adopted a regulation allowing for the early retirement of 600 Commission officials, 94 Council officials and 100 Parliament officials, 24 of whom auxiliary agents of political groups. In the wake, the Commission adopted a decision setting to how this plan would work. It will run over 3 years and should concern 200 official by the end of the year. The officials concerned, who must be aged 55 at least (and having had 15 years of service) are requested to notify their intentions to their directors general, who must then assess whether their departure is not harmful to the smooth running of the department.