62023TJ0003_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Fourth Chamber) of 26 June 2024 –UA v EUAA
(Case T‑3/23) (
1
)
(Civil service – Members of the temporary staff – National criminal proceedings – OLAF investigation – Article 22 of the Staff Regulations – Serious misconduct in the course of the performance of duties – Financial liability of the member of temporary staff – Right to be heard – Causal link – Duty to have regard for the welfare of officials – Compensation for damage suffered by the European Union – Liability)
1.
Officials – Disciplinary measures – Procedure – Hearing of the official concerned by the appointing authority – Replacement of the hearing with the submission of written observations in the absence of the possibility of hearing the person concerned – Use of that option during the COVID-19 pandemic – Whether permissible
(Staff Regulations of Officials, Art. 22 and Annex IX, Arts 3 and 4)
(see paragraphs 62-64)
2.
Officials – Recovery of undue payments – Conditions – Serious misconduct – Definition – Intentional or negligent nature of the misconduct – Lack of distinction – Existence of guidelines in force within another institution, but not adopted by the institution concerned – Irrelevant
(Staff Regulations of Officials, Art. 22)
(see paragraphs 89, 91, 111, 112, 130)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders UA to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 63, 20.2.2023.