98However, more often than not, and in particular in the present case, the legitimate expectation relates to the continuity of an existing situation, which by definition arose before the act giving rise to the expectation in its continuity. In those circumstances, contrary to the applicant’s assertions, the act giving rise to a legitimate expectation does not have retroactive effect, in the sense that it creates a legitimate expectation as from the earlier events at issue, but simply covers, from the date of its occurrence, events prior to that date and their future effects.