BRUSSELS, November 20 (RAPSI) - The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has upheld the 2011 decision of the EU national governments to block a 1.7% pay rise for EU administrators that the European Commission insisted on, European media reported Wednesday.

The EU Council of Ministers justified the decision by the economic crisis in Europe and the need to cut national budget expenses. The European Commission tried to challenge the move and took the case to the EU Court.

EU public officials earn between 4,400 and 18,400 euros a month before taxes. They are also entitled to various benefits, including a 400-euro monthly child benefit until the child turns 26. The EU budget even compensates the cost of pre-school education for the children of EU administrators. They are also eligible for various bonuses, including a bonus for working outside their home country that can amount to 16% of their salary.

Each member of the European Commission makes about 21,000 euros a month plus benefits. The chairman of the commission earns over 25,000 euros.

Some 3% of the European budget is spent on the staff of EU institutions, a staff that is also entitled to tax breaks.