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Secondary Employment: No Contributions Required for EU Officials

Did you know?

As an EU official, if you engage in a secondary job, you are not required to pay national social security contributions for this additional activity. This rule was clearly defined by a recent decision of the EU Court of Justice dated April 18, 2024.

Simplified Context

Imagine an EU official employed by the European Commission since 2010 and teaching on the side. In 2018, he was informed by the Belgian National Institute of Social Insurance for the Self-Employed that he must affiliate with their system and pay social contributions.

Your Right

The EU Court of Justice reaffirmed that EU officials are exempt from the obligation to affiliate or contribute to the national social security system for their secondary jobs. The European Union has exclusive competence to determine the rules applicable to its officials, thus protecting their rights.

Practical Implications

If you are in a similar situation, you do not have to pay national social security contributions for your additional income. This decision ensures that you are treated fairly, avoiding a double payment that could discourage officials from pursuing additional activities.

Key Point

While you remain subject to taxation by member states for your other income, social security obligations do not apply thanks to your privileges as an EU official.

Further Information

This decision emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy of the EU and the principle of loyal cooperation, thereby avoiding unequal treatment of EU officials.

Use this information to better understand your rights and ensure that you are not financially overburdened while performing your secondary duties.

Meet the author

Jonathan TORO

Jonathan Toro, of Franco-Italian nationality, has been a lawyer at the Brussels Bar since 2005. He holds a license in private law and a diploma in specialized studies in international business law from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). With several years of experience acquired within a large Belgian business firm, Jonathan assists many companies in corporate law, enterprise law, labor law and real estate law.

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