The opportunity to secure an EU pension is an underappreciated, but a very significant benefit of working for the EU institutions: European Commission, European Parliament, European Council or any of the 40+ EU agencies and several other EU institutions.
The EU pension is a defined benefits/final salary scheme that guarantees you an inflation-adjusted monthly income until your death. Additionally, after you pass away, your surviving spouse will continue to receive a survivor’s pension until her/his death that is a significant part of the pension you were entitled to.
While all of the information below is from public sources, it is often hard to access and understand due to “legalese” and the the sheer size of the documents. This article outlines the main facts about ‘EU pensions’ in an easy to understand manner.
How to qualify for a European Commission pension?
Anyone who works for the European Commission, European Parliament, an EU agency or another EU institution, is entitled to an EU pension after 10 years of service. You have to accumulate your 10 years before you reach either the mandatory pension age (66 years in 2021) or early-retirement age (58 years in 2021).
You can work for different EU institutions at different times in your life. All of your employment periods in EU institutions will be summed up and count towards a 10-year minimum as long as you do not withdraw the accumulated pension capital to a private pension scheme.
The pension contribution (tax) is the largest deduction of one’s salary. 9.7% is automatically deducted from your salary each month to accumulate the pension capital, and no actions need to be taken by you.
What is the mandatory European Commission pension age?
The mandatory pension age is 66, at which you will be able to receive the full amount of pension that you are entitled. It is possible to work until 70 if it is exceptionally justified. After reaching 70 a person is retired automatically and there is no possibility to remain in employment of EU institutions.
How large is a pension after working for EU institutions?
There is a minimum pension for former EU officials. It cannot be less then 40% of the basic salary for an EU official in the AST 1 (step 1) category. In 2023 this amounts to EUR 1331.00 (salary for AST 1 EUR 3327,49 * 10 years of service * 4%).
European Commission Staff Regulations
Hi and thanks for reading the article!
If you found it useful, please consider to
Your pension after the 10 mandatory years of service cannot be less than the minimum pension for EU officials – see above. If you are interested in more detail, the answer depends on a number of factors:
- Length of service. For each year of employment a person is entitled to 1,80% of the final basic salary. For example, if you have worked for EU institutions for 10 years, you will be entitled to 18% of your final basic salary; 20 years will qualify you for 36%; 30 years – 54%; 40 years – 72% (which will be capped at 70%).
- Basic salary in last employment position. Your pension will be calculated as a percentage of the basic salary.
- Pensions are adjusted to the actual cost of living in the European Union and should slightly increase over time.
- The final pension amount may not exceed 70 % of the final basic salary.
If you have worked for several EU institutions, your pension will be calculated based on the last basic salary you received.
In practice, if you are an AD5 in Brussels at the end of your career with a basic salary of 4883, you would be entitled to the following amounts proportionally to the time worked for the EU:
- 10 years = EUR 4883 basic monthly salary X 1.8% X 10 years = EUR 878.94. In this case you would instead receive the European Commission’s minimum pension of EUR 1200.24.
- 20 years = EUR 1757.88
- 30 years = EUR 2636.82
- 40 years = EUR 3515.76
Of course, if you start as an AD 5, your final basic salary would actually be higher as you would advance through the steps of the pay scale every two years. The above calculation is meant to just be an illustration of the principle.
Pensions and the Correction Coefficient
The European Commission Correction Coefficient is not applied to pensions (Article 82 of Staff Regulations). In practice this means that you will receive the same pension independent of where you live after retirement.
Can I retire early? What are the consequences?
The early retiretirement age is 58 years (in 2021).
An early retirement pension amount is reduced 3,5% for every year before mandatory pension age of 66. Hence, if you decide to retire at 58, you will incur a 28% reduction of your pension. Unfortunately, the pension will not increase once you reach the regular retirement age.
Can the EU pension be inherited by a surviving spouse and/or dependent children?
Yes. The surviving spouse of a former EU official is entitled to 60% of the pension paid to the official. The amount that can be inherited by dependent children varies on the individual situation and the ‘orphan’s pension’ can only be precisely calculated by the Paymaster’s Office.
EXAMPLE
If you are entitled to the minimum European Commission pension of EUR 1200.24 (100%)
THEN
your surviving spouse will receive up to EUR 720.14 (up to 60% of former official’s pension) until her/his end of life.
Divorced spouses are also entitled to a survivor’s pension if they can prove that the (former) EU official was supporting them based on a court order or an officially registered settlement in force between both parties.
If you are in such a situation, please contact either the European Commission’s Paymasters Office or the HR Department of the last institution your spouse was working for in order to find out the steps to take.
Very important – unless there are proven force majeure factors, the survivors pension has to be requested within one year of the former EU official’s death. Otherwise, the spouse’s and dependents’ rights are forfeited.
Does my EU pension capital accrue interest while I’m waiting for my pension age?
Yes. The accumulated pension amount accrues compound interest at a rate of 2.9% per year (in 2021).
What if I leave an EU job before I accumulate 10 years of service?
For most people the best strategy is to leave your pension capital with the European Commission Paymaster’s office as it accrues a 2.9% per annum in interest. You can accumulate your 10 years in EU institutions over an unlimited number of instances of working for EU institutions until the mandatory retirement age of 66.
Some institutions strongly encourage the “transfer out” of the accumulated EU pension capital claiming that it might be “very hard” to do it at a later date. However, there is no particular difference in the amount of work for you whether you decide to move your EU pension capital to a third tier pension management fund right after leaving an EU institution or much later. The only caveat – you pension capital left with the EU Paymasters Office will be completely lost if you happen to die before reaching your pension age. And, of course, don’t forget about your pension capital once your retirement age comes and you have not accumulated the necessary 10 years to qualify for an EU pension.
If you decide that you never again want to work for the EU, you can “transfer out” your pension capital to any of the European Commission-approved pension management schemes in all EU member states. The funds will only become available to you once you reach the age of 60.
Reasons to “transfer out” your accumulated EU pension capital:
* You do not plan to ever again work for EU institutions
* You are certain that you will be able to invest your EU pension capital in an investment vehicle that returns substantially more than 2.9% per annum
* You are worried that you might die before retirement age (chronic disease, family health history, dangerous hobby, etc.)
Once you “transfer out” but again start working for a EU institution, you will be able to transfer in your accumulated pension capital, but not the accumulated ‘pension years’ to qualify you for an EU pension. So – choose carefully.
Not only an EU pension, but also health insurance for you and your spouse
After an EU official becomes entitled to an EU pension, the person and his/her spouse and any dependents also become entitled to the JSIS – the European Commission healthcare insurance scheme. It reimburses between 80-85% of most healthcare costs. If you have what are considered serious illnesses you can obtain a 100% reimbursement. This should be a major appeal for people in retirement.
If there are any dependents, the retiree is also entitled to the relevant allowances such as the household allowance and dependent child allowance.
Where to get consultations and help regarding European Commission pensions?
Former employees of EU institutions are usually advised to contact the HR department of the last institution they were employed by.
It is also possible to get in touch with Office for the Administration and Payment of Individual Entitlements also know as the Paymasters Office (PMO), contacts here. If you have questions about JSIS, the European Commission health insurance scheme, including coverage of funeral expenses, you can find the relevant Paymasters Office contacts here.
AIACE – International Association of Former Staff of the European Union
When you retire from an EU institution, consider becoming a member of AIACE. For the 40€ annual fee (differs by location of national units) you can get a number of benefits:
- Access to a helpdesk (consultations on key retiree issues). Virtual and in-person consultations in Brussels
- Legal assistance at a reduced fee
- Special complimentary insurance availability to complement risks not covered by the JSIS (currently offered by Cigna)
- Accident coverage
- Coverage of the difference in all medical costs and those reimbursed by the JSIS
- A monthly Cigna consultation
- Quarterly VOX bulletin sent to all of the retired staff. National bulletins sent to members of country chapters
- Yammer chat
- Voluntary work opportunities and possibility to received help from other volunteers; social contacts and events
Main facts about AIACE:
- AIACE has special Partnership Agreements with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Court of Justice, the European Social and Economic Committee, the Committee of the Regions, the Court of Auditors, and the Council. All the above institutions recognize AIACE as the representative of their retired staff
- Founded June 1969, AIACE has over 12000 members out of a total approximately 23500 retired staff
- 15 national branches (20 retirees can form a national branch)
- AIACE lobbies on behalf of retired EU officials and defends their rights at the European Commission and other EU institutions. AIACE is even an official member of a number of working groups that affected the interests of former EU administrative agents and contract agents
AIACE contact details:
- Website: www.aiace-europa.eu/
- Address: N105 00/23, 105 Avenue des Nerviens 00/036, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
- Telelphone: (Belgium): 02.2952960
- Email: aiace-int@ec.europa.eu
Frequently Asked Questions
EU officials have their own pension scheme, managed by the European Commission. This pension scheme serves the former statutory staff of the European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, the 40+ EU agencies and all other EU institutions.
The minimum pension for EU officials cannot be less than 40% of the basic salary for an EU official in the Assistant grade AST 1 step 1 category. In 2023 this amounts to EUR 1331.00 (salary for AST 1 EUR 3327,49 * 10 years of service * 4%).
Yes, pensions of former EU officials are regularly adjusted to inflation the same way as salaries of Administrators, Assistants and Contract Agents. As an example, the minimum EU pension in 2021 was around 1200 euros, but rose to 1311 euros in 2023 as salaries of EU officials also increased.
Mandatory pension age for EU officials is 66. EU officials can retire early from the age of 58, but they take a permanent decrease of their pension for every year of early retirement. Pension of an early retiree does not increase once the person reaches age 66.
Do you still have questions regarding EU pensions?
As usual, if there is an unanswered question or you have spotted a mistake, please write a comments and me and the EUE community will do our best to help and update the article.
This article is based on the European Commission Staff Regulations and other publicly available information such as EU institutions’ vacancy announcements.
133 responses to “Pensions for Staff of European Commission and other EU institutions”
Hi Ben
I am a temporary agent with 8 years contemplating resigning and leaving the institutions for good. I’ve roughly worked out a transfer value of approx €200k capital value. I’m in my early 40s.
It’s unlikely that I’ll ever work in in an EU institution again to make up the ten years so I’m considering a “transfer out” to a private pension scheme in an EU member state when I resign.
Assuming that all of the guarantees in the CEOS are satisfied, what kind of product does the Commission allow me to make the transfer to? Ideally I’d like to put it all into equities with very low fees and start to draw down in twenty years or so at my own pace. I don’t want to be forced to buy an annuity-type product for a payout in 20-odd years as I think this would produce a much lower return and I’m happy to take the risk with equities.
Thanks
Leaving Brussels
Hi! I suggest you stil try to attend one of the seminars organized by PMO about transferring out of pension rights. There are organized regularly.
You can also write to PMO. It’s best to do it through the form on Intranet as then you are identified and find out your precise accumulated capital amount, etc. You can also send an email PMO-TFTOUT-ALLDEP-DEMANDES@ec.europa.eu, if you just want to find out info about a general question.
Last time I attended such a seminar, PMO informed that there is a list of approved 3rd tier pension funds in each EU member state (I wasn’t able to find the list in public sources). You select the fund and its product that appeals to you, and instruct PMO to transfer funds there. You do not always have to transfer to your own country if ther services don’t satisfy you but there were additional rules if you wanted to use a fund in another EU country.
If you find out more, would be great if you could drop me a line so I can add info to this post.
P.S. This is what the form to request the transfer out look like (public source), but you’ll be provided by PMO with this anyway: https://ec.europa.eu/pmo/decl_tft_out_en.pdf
Hi Ben,
Really great post and thread – thanks so much!
I’m a little confused by a few post though (I’m sure it’s just me) so wonder if you can clarify, if you get a chance.
I will shortly be joining an EU agency on a TA contract. The duration is for 5 years but I would hope it will be renewed. I have 3 years of a private pension scheme and a further 11 years of another private pension scheme in an EU member state. I don’t have the current value of these to hand.
My main question is regarding whether I can transfer these into the EU system when I start? Would they be recognised and transferred into “years”? I understand they will be converted into comparable years – ie 100k might be calculated as 3 years 2 months etc etc.
Have you any guidance on how to calculate what the “fund” might be worth in years?
Also, I have a significant number of “state pension” years built up too. Is it possible to transfer this in and forego my state pension for those years in my hole country – i.e from 17 to 38 years of age?
I believe some of these questions have been asked above but can’t quite differentiate between the answers.
Thanks again for all your input here, really really useful
Hi, Max. Congrats on landing the job! Be sure to read about other allowances and enjoy JSIS coverage for you and the family!
I will try to summarize the article.
First, as soon as you’re hired, inquire with HR about PMO (Paymaster’s Office) trainings on the “Transfer-in of pensions”. This will answer your questions in detail. There’s even the option to submit questions and trainers will prepare in-depth replies afterwards.
That’s correct – you don’t get to transfer-in years from national pension systems, but the pension capital which is then “equalized” to your contributions from employment at an EU institution. Unless you’re coming from a very wealthy country, most likely, your many years on the national level will transform to fewer years in the EU institutions pension system.
Unfortunately, only PMO could advise you on how many years you might get when transferring-in.
N.B. Please also read the comment of Anja, 2 November 2021 at 15:11, below.
I hope this was useful!
Dear Ben,
I work currently for EULEX (in Kosovo) and I would like to know if it’s possible to apply for the EU Pension Fund.
Thank you for the useful information. Where can i find the list of the European Commission-approved pension management schemes in all EU member states. I am specifically looking for the pension management schemes in Spain. Thanks a lot for your help.
I remember from a training, that the PMO has this information. If you cannot find this yourself, please call them or write a message (you’ll have to log into an EU system; I couldn’t find a public email): https://ec.europa.eu/pmo/guide/jsis-request-access.html
Hi Ben,
I am nearing retirement and will retire to the UK.
Many years ago I worked 9 years ( duuurgh!!! ) for the EC as a contract agent. I was forced to transfer out my pension. I was given a list of schemes – only 2 were related to the UK and were ‘offshore’. I went with a company in Brussels and received something called ‘Deffered Annuity with Transfer of Benefits’ which will give me an annuity on retirement.
My question is, will this be taxable in Belgium – I don’t see why because the money wasn’t generated in Belgium – but I know nothing of these matters.
First of all, sorry you could not collect the extra 1 year to qualify for the EU pension!
As anything related to pensions is near to arcane magical runes, for this reason I’ll avoid even guessing an answer. It’s also clear that in this case you cannot address PMO, the EU Paymaster’s office.
This totally is a question to your pension fund. Even if they won’t know the answer right away, they are best qualified to provide one as they are located in Belgium and will have access to your case files. Best of luck!
Hi Ben,
Thank you for the information that you post in this web page, and for answering our questions.
According to Article 9 of Annex VIII of the Staff Regulations, “An official leaving the service before reaching pensionable age may request that his retirement pension: (A) be deferred until the first day of the calendar month following that in which he reaches pensionable age; or (B) be paid immediately, provided that he is not less than 58 years of age. In that case, the retirement pension shall be reduced by an amount calculated by reference to the official’s age when he starts to draw his pension”
I just want to clarify something that is not clear in the wording of that article: what happens when the official leaves the service before reaching pensionable age and before he is 58 years of age? Is he then forced to go for option A (deferred pension), or can he still leave the service and when he becomes 58 request option B (early retirement)?
Hi! Sorry for the delayed reply, I unfortunatelly missed your comment/question.
If you have accumulated 10 years in the EU system and have not transferred out your pension capital, you can leave EU institutions and then claim your pension starting from the age of 58.
Hi, as a fired contractor of external company (but work for EC) – do I have some rights to these benefits? I worked (and was allowed to) work remotely from other country and was fired unexpectedly. Do I have any rights? As I know there are much more people like me. Thank You!
Alef, I cannot provide a definitive answer, but from cases similar to yours I’ve gathered that you are not counted as a contractual staff member of any EU institution. Your contractual relationship is only with the company that hired and paid you (even though it was from monies received from the European Commission). I haven’t researched this, but I would look whether maybe there is a labour union that unites employees like you. That might be best placed to provide legal advice to you and also have relevant negotiation and litigation experience.
If you can’t find one, you can always try to approach the labor inspectorate, labor board or an institution of a similar name in the country where your employer was incorporated to receive a consultation about your rights and possibly even further assistance.
Hey there. I am currently ina screening process for an AD7 position in Belgium and I am a Belgian national with 1 daughter. Looking at your explanations, it’s at the same time clear and confusing.
You say that it’s very interesting from a tax perspective as there is no national tax. Approximately it is around 40-45% in Belgium between gross and net salary. Currently I make a bit more in gross per month than the step 1 for AD7 and was trying to compare.
Looking at different taxes you indicate here, it doesn’t seem to be tax free/low tax as it is generally adversited. I see there is a Social security tax (around 12%) , solidarity levy (6%) and EU income tax 8-45%. That brings in total to either 25ish% for lower salaries and (18+45) over 60% tax for higher salaries. Is this how we should understand this ? Because this confuses me as the difference with national taxes is not that different taking into account that I would be granted no expat allowance, no 13 month salary etc. When compared to some private company with a similar position, income and social taxes In Belgium are indeed 40-45%, but largely compensated by the 13 month, company car with fuel card, solid additional group insurance, lunch vouchers and solid group insurance and pension plan, yearly bonuses etc.
So from a pure revenue perspective, even though it is advertised as being tax free or very low taxes while working at EU, globally it’s not that interesting in fact.
Is my reasoning correct ? I may need to consider looking twice before making the move.
Thanks for your reply.
Hi! Apologies for only now replying to you! This is a hobby so I’m at times not able to respond to comments in a timely enough fashion for you and my other readers.
I’ve recently posted articles on the approximate net salaries of the various types of contracts and grades, including AD7, posted here: https://euemployment.eu/administrators-ad7-salary/. The figures should be 90-95% correct, giving you a possibility to compare your income in the Commission vs a private sector employer.
I hope that this article helps you to make decision whether to take the European Commission’s offer.
In case you are considering taking an offer in another EU member state, always remember about the impact of the Correction Coefficient. But this is not a worry if you’re seeking employment in Brussels or Luxembourg.
Dear Ben,
Thank you for all these information that are very useful.
If I was working 15 years in EU institutions as contractual / temporary agent in FG 1 and FG II group with the basic salary always less then AST 1, what would be my pension at the age 66?
1200€ (because my basic salary was always less then AST1 or 1.5x 0,04x AST1, which gives 1800€.
In previous posts i found some calculations for AD 5, AD 10 but not for the contractual/ temporary agents who were working for lower wages.
What if one reaches pension age before accumulating 10 years of service? (E.g. someone who starts working for an eu institution or agency at 58). Such a person would have accumulated pension rights in a national scheme (having worked in their native country before taking up a job for the EU). Could they transfer their national pension rights to the EU scheme? Or would it be wiser for them to keep paying contributions to the national scheme to get a national pension, beause they will not be able to get any kind of EU pension with less than 10 years of service?
Hi Anna,
Did you receive an answer to your question about reaching the pension age before accumulating 10 years of service? In the case of starting working at 58).
Hi, Ana! No, unfortunately I haven’t… I am still interested if anyone has an answer to my question!
Hello!
I think that Article 77 of the Staff Regulations is what you need in your case: “An official who has completed at least ten year’s service shall be entitled to a retirement pension. He shall, however, be entitled to such pension, irrespective of length of service, if he is over pensionable age, if it has not been possible to reinstate him during a period of non-active status or in the event of retirement in the interests of the service.”
The way I read it – you will qualify for an EU pension when you reach pensionable age (66 years), even if you start working for the EU at 58. In other words, in that case, you’ll get a pension even if you have not fulfilled the ordinary requirement – which is 10 years of service.
Another thing to keep in mind is the amount you will receive – it may be the case that you will only receive the minimum amount which is linked to the salary of AST1 grade.
Please note that this is just how I read the staff regulations, i.e. my personal view. I stand to be corrected.
Max, thanks for the reply. This is how I also understand the rules, but there might some caveats we are not aware off. It would be best to enquire with the institution’s HR and/or PMO. This is a normal question, and you’ll not be penalized for asking it. If possible, please share back here if you are indeed entitled.
Dear Ben,
All the information you are giving is very useful and interesting. However, I think you should point out whether the “2014 Staff Regulations” apply or not. For those who became officials before 2014 the previous Staff Regulations apply with more advantageous terms. For example they can retire at 65 years and not 66 and the percentage of the final basic salary for each year can be higher (around 1,90-2,00%). Also please note that even if one was a contract agent before 2014, but became an official in 2014 then the “2014 Staff Regulation rules” apply which are a bit more disadvantageous compared to the previous ones. At least the above is what I was told by HR… Thanks and regards, Anna
Hi Kepa,
If you accrued 44% pension rights of your last salary and you retire at 58 you would get X (last basic salary) times 44% = Y – (times 28%) = Z example 8000 x 0.44 = 3520 x (1- 0.28) = 2534
Dear Ben
Your example above suggests that the option is between a minimum pension of 10 * 0.04 * 3000.59 = 1200.24 or a standard pension of years worked * 1.8 * final salary. The minimum pension is years worked * 0.04 * 3000.59, up to a total of 70% of final salary. So for your example figures:
EUR 4883 final basic monthly salary.
70% of 4883 = 3418.10
10 years: EUR 4883 * 1.8% * 10 years = EUR 878.94. Minimum pension of EUR 3000.59 * 4% * 10 years = EUR 1200.24. End result = minimum pension, EUR 1200.24.
20 years: EUR 4883 * 1.8% * 20 years = EUR 1757.88. Minimum pension of EUR 3000.59 * 4% * 20 years = EUR 2400.47. End result = minimum pension, EUR 2400.47.
30 years: EUR 4883 * 1.8% * 30 years = EUR 2636.82. Minimum pension of EUR 3000.59 * 4% * 30 years = EUR 3600.70. End result = minimum pension, EUR 3418.10 (due to 70% cap).
40 years: EUR 4883 * 1.8% * 40 years = EUR 3515.76 (EUR 3418.10 due to 70% cap). Minimum pension of EUR 3000.59 * 4% * 40 years = EUR 4800.94. End result = either, EUR 3418.10 (due to 70% cap).
Now calculating as AD10 step 1, final basic salary 8064.86
70% cap = 5645.40
10 years: EUR 8064.86 * 1.8% * 10 years = EUR 1451.67. Minimum pension = EUR 1200.24 (calculation unchanged). End result = standard pension, EUR 1451.67.
20 years: EUR 8064.86 * 1.8% * 20 years = EUR 2903.34. Minimum pension = EUR 2400.47. End result = standard pension, EUR 2903.34.
30 years: EUR 8064.86 * 1.8% * 30 years = EUR 4355.02. Minimum pension = EUR 3600.70. End result = standard pension, EUR 4355.02.
40 years: EUR 8064.86 * 1.8% * 40 years = EUR 5806.69 (EUR 5645.40 due to 70% cap). Minimum pension = EUR 4800.94. End result = standard pension, EUR 5645.40 (due to 70% cap).
Dear Ben,
If someone retires at AD7 after 10 years in an EU institution and gets the minimum pension on account of having only done 10 years and having retired several years before the normal retirement age, are they entitled to any cash sum in addition to the minimum pension amount, given that their contributions will have been higher than those of some other people who would be entitled to the minimum amount?
Many thanks,
Michael
Dear Ben,
I am a former European official who worked as a temporary agent at the EU Court of Justice for about 3 years. At the end of the contract, in 2013, I received a notification from the CJEU by which I was informed that by virtue of art. 11, 1 and 12, 1(b) of Annex VIII to Staff Regulations, I have the right to transfer the related pension rights to a pension fund/system of my choice.
I am currently 62 years old and, so far, I have not yet requested the transfer of pension rights to a pension fund/system of my country of origin.
I would like, if I may, to ask two questions:
I. The first question refers to the significance of art. 12, 1 of Annex VIII to Staff Regulations.
According to this provision:
“1. An official aged less than 63 years whose service terminates otherwise than by reason of death or invalidity and who is not entitled to an immediate or deferred retirement pension shall be entitled on leaving the service:
(a) where he has completed less than one year’s service and has not made use of the arrangement laid down in Article 11(2), to payment of a severance grant equal to three times the amounts withheld from his basic salary in respect of his pension contributions, after deduction of any amounts paid under Articles 42 and 112 of the Conditions of Employment of other servants;
(b) in other cases, to the benefits provided under Article 11(1) or to the payment of the actuarial equivalent of such benefits to a private insurance company or pension fund of their choice, on condition such company or fund guarantees that:
(i) the capital will not be repaid;
(ii) a monthly income will be paid from age 60 at the earliest, and age 65 at the latest;
(iii) provisions are included for reversion or survivors’ pensions;
(iv) transfer to another insurance company or other fund will be authorised only if such fund fulfils the conditions laid down in points (i), (ii) and (iii)”.
The phrase, “An official aged less than 63 years (…) shall be entitled on leaving the service (…)” means that I have to transfer the pension rights acquired during the period I worked at the CJEU, until reaching the age of 63, or I have this right even after reaching the age concerned?
II. The second question concerns the EU institution competent to receive the request for transfer of pension rights
As I said, the notification on the transfer of my pension rights was issued by the institution I worked for, the CJEU. I understand that now the request must be addressed to the Commission’s services (PMO).
Could you please tell me if there is a specific service within the PMO that deals with receiving transfer requests, which can be consulted on the concrete procedure to follow? And what would be the contact details of this service?
Kind regards,
Ion
I’m in the same situation. Same age and worked 3,5 for 3,5 years. Do you have some news about the procedure? How it works and where we could find relevant informations?
Hi Ben. If I worked for 1 year in EU CSDP mission as a seconded expert.
Is that experience will also be included in the 10 years service?
Thanks, cheers.
Hello,
no, this experience will not be included in 10 years service, as the CSDP Missions are not qualified as EU Institutions. Therefore, mission members don’t have a status of EU civil servants.
Only persons who had the status: Permanent Officials, Temporary Agents, Contract Agents can accumulate their years of professional experience for retirement purposes.
Maya, thanks a lot for the reply. I know near to nothing about CSDP missions, so it’s very helpful you could chip in!
Hi Ben,
you answered to the question ”I have also read that early retirement pension amount is reduced 3,5% for every year before mandatory pension age of 66.
Is this reduction of 3.5% aplicable to the minum of 1200.2 as well?”
with your post
(Ben says: January 10, 2022 at 11:19
That’s a great question, to which I at the moment don’t know the answer about. When I’ll find out, I’ll update the article.)
Have you clarify that question now? Indeed I remember that during a PMO training back in 2019, it was said that the 1200,2 EUR minimum was not reduced by 3,5% annually in case of early retirement between 58 and 66. But maybe I remember incorrectly… Thank you.
“ He shall, however, be entitled to such pension irrespective of length of service, if he is over pensionable age,”
I will have 11 years of service at the age of 61. Does the above provision mean that even if I am entitled to an EU pension ( min 10 yrs of service), I have to wait to request my retirement until the age of 66? But then I would be out of the EU system. Or can I request the minimum EU pension ( the subsistence) at the age of 61 and 11 yrs of service?
Corine, if you have 10 years in the EU system, you can request an early retirement from the age of 58. However, there is a permanent deduction for each year before age 66.
To find out the size of your pension and related rules, it would be best to ask your institution’s HR or directly to PMO! Consider to also attend one of the PMO seminars about pension rights offered to staff of EU institutions.
Hi Ben, I have a child with someone who retired from the European commission but he passed away before we could get married, is my child entitled to child support from the European Commission?
If so, what would my child get.
Thanks.
I’m no expert in this, so please doublecheck, but a child’s entitlement to the survivor’s pension and maybe also JSIS coverage should not depend on the parents’ marital status. The only thing that matters should be whether paternity/maternity is recognized (I assume this case is about paternity).
The best course of action would be to get in touch in writing with HR of the institution your partner used to work for, or with PMO in Brussels. They will advise you on any missing documents, and if some payments have been missed, the child should get these in one payment for all of the past period.
Hello, my pensionable age is 62 and 8 months but I will reach 70% pension rights at the age of 61 and 6 months. Moreover I have a transfer of 14 months pension rights from previous job. With the malus for ”Early leaving” half of this transfer is lost and I m penalised despite I Will have worked the number of years requested. Any suggestion for this discriminatory situation for staff hired at young age ? Thanks a lot
Thank you for pointing out one more problematic issue with COM HR rules. My best suggestion would be to get in touch with AIACE, the association of retired EU civil servants and see whether this could be brought before the Court of Justice of the EU. If the case is succesful, you could benefit from a ruling still within your lifetime.