Preschool allowance
Employees of EU institutions with children aged below 5 are paid the ‘pre-school allowance’, which is a type of the Education allowance. The nominal pre-school allowance amounts is EUR 102,18 per month, subject to the Correction coefficient.
Probation period
New staff members in the European Commission and all other EU institutions undergo a mandatory nine-month probationary period. This period allows the institution to assess the employee’s suitability for the role. During this time, performance is monitored, and the employment contract can be terminated more easily if expectations are not met. During the probationary…
Psychometric tests
Psychometric Tests in the context of European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) competitions are standardized assessment tools used to measure candidates’ cognitive abilities, competencies, and personality traits as part of the selection process for jobs within EU institutions. These tests are designed to objectively evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a particular role based on the required…
Reasonable accommodation
The term ‘reasonable accommodation’ refers to any measure to accommodate a disabled person during the selection process or the actual job at an EU institution. It entails any adaptive measure that is considered as not being a disproportionate burden on the employer. The interpretation of ‘reasonable accommodation’ in EU institutions is quite broad and can…
Reclassification
Reclassification of EU institutions’ staff refers to the administrative process through which the grade or step of an EU staff member is increased. Reclassification is the de facto promotion of EU institutions’ staff. This process is typically done as part of the annual appraisal exercise and is based on an assessment of the individual’s performance,…
Removal expenses
The compensation of ‘Removal expenses’ is a benefit for staff of EU institutions who had to relocate at the start and/or end of employment at an EU institution. The ‘removal expenses’ amount includes the costs of moving furniture and personal effects, but also insurance against ordinary risks, such as damage during transportation, theft, and fire.
Representation allowance
The European Commission President (currently – Ursula von der Leyen) is entitled to a representation allowance of 1418 EUR per month. This allowance is 911 EUR for the Vice Presidents and 608 EUR for regular Commissioners. Interestingly, at least until 2004 this was called the “Entertainment allowance” but has subsequently been renamed to be more…
Reserve list
‘Reserve lists’ are pools of applicants that have successfully gone through the selection process of EPSO or an EU agency and are now “shortlisted” as potential employees. When the EU institution that organized the selection process has an actual vacancy to fill, a job offer is being sent out to the most appropriate person on…
Resignation
Resignation refers to the voluntary act of an official or staff member of an EU institution choosing to relinquish their position or office. Resignation can occur for a variety of reasons, including personal circumstances, career changes, or political reasons. The process of resignation typically involves the submission of a formal notice by the individual to…
Retirement age
The term ‘retirement age’ in EU institutions refers to the specific age at which employees of European Union institutions are eligible to retire and begin receiving pension benefits. The standard retirement age for EU officials is set at 66. Staff of EU institutions can retire as early as age 58, but they take a permanent…
Rotation policy
A rotation policy within the context of the European Union (EU) institutions refers to the systematic approach to periodically moving staff members, particularly officials, to different posts or departments within the organization. This policy is primarily designed to: The rotation policy aims to enhance the professional development of staff by exposing them to a variety…
Salary grid
The ‘Salary grid’ and ‘Salary scales’ refers to the tables of ‘basic salary’ of Administrators, Assistants, Secretaries and clerks, and Contract Agents in EU institutions as mentioned in Articles 66 and 93 of the Staff Regulations.
