A report from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, published on 10 July 2026, shows that the Unemployment Fund for former temporary staff, contract agents and parliamentary assistants (APAs) reached over EUR 106 million in reserves by the end of 2024, up from EUR 31 million in 2019 — a 243% increase. The fund's financial position is robust, with EUR 27 million held in a current account and EUR 79 million in investments.
The report covers the 2019-2024 period and notes that the number of insured members rose by 33% to 36,689, while beneficiaries fell by one-third to 754. Total expenditure reached EUR 29 million in 2024, 10% above 2019 levels, driven by a surge in APA beneficiaries following the 2024 European Parliament elections. Total revenue hit over EUR 48 million in 2024, 65% above 2019, with an annual average increase of 10%. The contribution rate during the period was 0.81% from staff and 1.62% from employing institutions. A new lower rate of 0.51% for staff and 1.02% for institutions was adopted via Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/101 but had not entered into force by end-2024.
The Commission, European Parliament, and EU agencies account for around 90% of total expenditure and contributions. A deficit occurred only in October 2024 (EUR 600,000), but the current account held sufficient funds to cover potential 2025 deficits. The report concludes that the fund is financially robust, though expenditure is rising due to post-election APA unemployment, and the impact of the new lower contribution rates will be assessed in the next report.
The fund's strong reserves provide a safety net for former EU staff, particularly APAs facing unemployment after elections. However, the new lower contribution rates may reduce future revenue, potentially requiring adjustments if expenditure continues to rise. EU institutions benefit from stable contribution rates but may face pressure to increase contributions if deficits recur. The fund's investment strategy generates returns but carries market risk. The next report will evaluate whether the reduced rates are sustainable.