Malti    

Salaries & Allowances

Officials of the EU institutions enjoy an excellent standard of living. High basic salaries are augmented by increments every two years on a scale, which is reviewed annually. The table below shows the starting salaries for some grades (July 2002 figures).

• These salaries are considerably enhanced by a package of allowances depending on personal circumstances:

• Expatriation allowance - for those working outside their own country and equal to 16% of basic salary.

• Household allowance - for officials who are the principal earner in a household, and equal to 5% of basic salary.

• Dependent children allowance - a flat rate of about 237 euros (approx.  LM 102*) per month per child under 18 years of age with provision to extend this age limit to 26 for a child receiving formal education or vocational training.

• Education allowance - to cover costs incurred in respect of each dependent child from the age of 6 up to 26 if still in full-time education (varies according to the age of child).

• Relocation package - various allowances and grants to meet the cost of moving house when either taking up appointment or returning to your own country.

Salaries & Allowances( cont.,)

 *Based on exchange rate of LM 1 = 2.3197 euros as at 27th May 2003

Other Benefits

Pension Scheme

The EU institutions operate a contributory pension scheme.Contributions represent about 8.25% of basic salary. The maximum retirement pension is 70% of the final basic salary for 35 years' service and proportionately less for shorter service. There are also agreements for the exchange of transfer values between the EU pension scheme and some national and international organisations' schemes. Although staff who serve less than ten years do not qualify for a pension, they are entitled to a severance grant.

Health Insurance

For a maximum contribution of 2% of basic salary, health insurance is provided for officials and their dependants. There is normally a maximum benefit of 85% of expenses incurred, but this is increased to 100% in the case of serious illness. There are grants for childbirth and ill-health or death from occupational disease or accident. Staff also contribute 0.1% of salary towards the cost of insurance against accidents not arising from employment.

Taxation

European Commission officials' pay is subject to a Community tax deducted at source. Taxation rates vary between 8% and 45% depending on individual circumstances. The proceeds are paid into the EU budget where they are offset against the Member States' contributions. For this reason, remuneration is exempt from national tax pursuant to the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. 

Hours of Work and Leave

The normal working week is 37.5 hours, although staff are theoretically available for work at all times. There is a minimum of 24 days' leave a year, rising to a maximum of 30 days. Additional leave may also be granted for age, grade and distance from home country.