Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

Having regard to the Staff Regulations of officials of the European Communities and the conditions of employment of other servants of the Communities laid down by Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68^f1, and in particular the first paragraph of Article 13 of Annex X thereto,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

Account should be taken of changes in the cost of living in countries outside the Community and the weightings applicable from 1 January 2004 to remuneration paid in the currency of the country of employment to officials serving in third countries should be determined accordingly.

The weightings, in respect of which payment has been made on the basis of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 64/2004 laying down the weightings applicable from 1 July 2003^f2, may lead to retrospective upward or downward adjustments to remuneration.

Provision should be made for back-payments in the event of an increase in remuneration as a result of the new weightings.

Provision should be made for the recovery of sums overpaid in the event of a reduction in remuneration as a result of the new weightings for the period between 1 January 2004 and the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

Provision should be made for any such recovery to be restricted to a period of no more than six months preceding the decision laying down the weightings and for its effects to be spread over a period of no more than 12 months following the date of that decision, as is the case with the weightings applicable within the European Community to remuneration and pensions of officials and other servants of the European Communities,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: