62023TJ0159_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Single Judge) of 10 January 2024 –VN v Commission
(Case T‑159/23) (
1
)
(Civil service – Officials – Sick leave – Unjustified absence – Salary deduction – Principle of impartiality – Obligation to state reasons – Manifest error of assessment – Force majeure – Duty to have regard for the welfare of officials)
1.
Officials – Sick leave – Medical examination – Decision declaring an official’s absence unauthorised following the medical examination – Obligation to state reasons – Scope – Medical confidentiality – Limits – Obligation of the administration to attach or reproduce the medical assessments of the examining doctor – None
(Art. 296 TFEU; Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Art. 41(2)(c))
(see paragraphs 34-37, 39)
2.
Officials – Sick leave – Medical examination – Conclusions of the medical examination disputed – Obligation of the official to rely on the arbitration procedure – Time limits – Time-barred – Reopening – Condition – Unforeseeable circumstances or force majeure – Concept – Limits
(Staff Regulations of Officials, Art. 59(1), fifth subpara.)
(see paragraphs 53-55)
3.
Officials – Duty of the administration to have regard for the welfare of officials – Scope – Greater obligation in a case affecting the health of the official – Limits – Application where a medical examination concludes that the official is fit to work – Not included
(Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Art. 41; Staff Regulations of Officials, Art. 59(1))
(see paragraphs 59-61, 63, 66)
4.
Officials – Sick leave – Medical examination – Conclusions of the medical examination disputed – Dispute possible only by contrary findings of an independent doctor
(Staff Regulations of Officials, Art. 59(1))
(see paragraph 62)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders VN to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 179, 22.5.2023.