In our report in March we informed you of forthcoming changes to the daily allowance, which, according to the Agreement, is index-linked to the allowance for Grade LA4 officials.  Following the reform of the EU Staff Regulations, the allowance (which is to be the same for all grades) is to be split into two parts, a flat-rate daily allowance, and a maximum daily amount for hotel accommodation payable on presentation of a hotel bill. 

The amounts are:

As stipulated in the Commission missions guide, where no hotel bill is presented the flat-rate daily allowance plus 35% of the hotel ceiling will be paid. 

When we reported in March, some details still needed to be clarified in the Institutions.  We are now in a position to provide further information.

1.  Commission

The only supporting documents permitted by DG Admin for payment of the hotel part of the daily allowance are hotel bills.  The system described above will therefore apply from 1 May 2004; the internal rules have been adopted by the Commission.  The ceiling on hotel bills for Brussels and Luxembourg may be raised to EUR 125, subject to a derogation being requested and granted by the current automatic procedure.

2.  European Parliament

Parliament has decided to postpone the introduction of the new scale for expenses until the Bureau adopts new internal provisions in Autumn 2004.  In the meantime it will continue to apply the present system.