European
Commission
Press release
Representatives
of the Member States endorsed a package of austerity measures and reforms for
the European civil service which will save €2.7 billion by 2020, and €1.5
billion a year in the long term.
Vice-President Maroš
Šefčovič said: "I welcome the decision of the Member
States and of the Legal Affairs Committee. This deal is an appropriate response
to the crisis, which also preserves the ability of the European institutions to
fulfil their mission. Although no-one can be entirely satisfied with the
outcome, it is a reasonable compromise. Negotiations have been very tough, but
I am glad that we found an acceptable compromise. The European civil service
will be further modernised, in particular through a better link between pay and
responsibilities. Whoever goes through one of the tough recruitment procedures
must be ready to work hard for Europe and its citizens, including longer
working hours and a higher retirement age".
The proposal includes:
