We considered two issues: inclusion of social security contributions when calculating the loss suffered by the interpreter; forwarding a list of the institutions' freelances to member states.

Mr Trojan stated from the outset that the Commission had agreed to compensate the fiscal consequences of the court decision only. The budgetary control authority had vetoed inclusion of the social security contributions in calculation of the actual loss.

The Commission has put a time limit for full refund (without documentary evidence) of the tax unlawfully withheld between 1 January 1989 and 31 July 1998. The Commission will send colleagues a letter, stating they have 60 days from receipt of the letter to opt for full reimbursement of the money.

The Commission has promised to indemnify interpreters for any additional tax demand for the period 1 January 1989 to 31 August 1999 (when the new convention came into force) provided supporting documentation is filed. There is no deadline.

National tax authorities will be notified about any request for refund made by an interpreter.

We raised the question of the Commission providing member states with a list of its freelance interpreters. The Commission will respond to any request for information from a member state, pursuant to the policy of cooperation between the Commission and member states.

An information meeting on the Technical Group will be held on Wednesday 24 May 2000 at 1915, Espace Léopold, Room 5E2.