MEMBER STATES ONCE AGAIN REFUSING TO GIVE US OUR RIGHTS – THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL ONCE AGAIN RIDICULED BY THE COUNCIL.
In December 2012, Member States refused to adopt the Commission’s proposal regarding the annual salary adjustment of +1.7%, refusing to again apply “the Method”.
Given the sudden deterioration of the economic and social climate within the EU, the Council asked the Commission to again apply the exception clause (Article 10 of Annex XI of the Staff Regulations). After a lengthy study was carried out, the Commission showed that the conditions for applying the exemption clause were not met.
The Commission will therefore take appropriate legal action to defend the application of the Staff Regulations, as was done in 2011.
It is in the common interest that the Commission reaches an agreement as soon as possible so that the Tribunal is not blocked and is in a position to reach a resolution.
THE METHOD AND SPECIAL LEVY ARE NEARING THEIR END
31 December 2012 saw the Method and the “special levy” (temporary additional tax) come to an end. As from 1 January 2013, European civil servants affected by this tax will see a change in their salary.
The Commission’s proposal on the Statutory Reform provides for a new solidarity levy in exchange for a new Method (6%). The Council rejected the Commission’s request to extend the current Method by one year, including that of the special levy.
R&D will keep you informed about all the latest developments.