2.7.2008 Official Journal of the European Union L 1721 (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory) REGULATIONS COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 624/2008 of 23 June 2008 laying down the weightings applicable from 1 July 2007 to the remuneration of officials, temporary staff and contract staff of the European Communities serving in third countries and of certain officials remaining in post in the two new Member States for a maximum period of 19 months after accession THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to the Staff Regulations of officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the Communities laid down by Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 (1), and in particular the first paragraph of Article 13 of Annex X thereto, Having regard to the Act of Accession of 2005, and in particular Article 27(4) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) It is necessary to take account of changes in the cost of living in countries outside the Community and to determine accordingly the weightings applicable from 1 July 2007 to remuneration paid in the currency of the country of employment to officials, temporary staff and contract staff serving in third countries. 1 OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation p g Yy Reg (EC, Euratom) No 420/2008 (O] L 127, 15.5.2008, p. 1). (2)  The weightings in respect of which payment has been made on the basis of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 453/2007 (3 may lead to retrospective upward or downward adjustments to remuneration. (3)  Provision should be made for back-payments in the event of increases in remuneration as a result of the new weightings. (4)  Provision should be made for the recovery of sums overpaid in the event of reductions in remuneration as a result of the new weightings for the period between 1 July 2007 and the date of entry into force of this Regulation. (5)  Provision should be made for any such recovery to be restricted to a period of no more than six months preceding the date of entry into force of this Regulation and for its effects to be spread over a period of no more than 12 months following that date, as is the case with the weightings applicable within the European Community to the remuneration and pensions of officials and other servants of the European Commu- nities, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 With effect from 1 July 2007, the weightings applicable to the remuneration of officials, temporary staff and contract staff of the European Communities serving in third countries payable in the currency of the country of employment shall be as shown in the Annex hereto. () O] L 109, 26.4.2007, p. 22.