Judgment_paragraph 61 · BM v European Central Bank (ECB) (F-78/11)

61Next, it must be recalled that the purpose of the probationary period provided for in Article 2.1.1 of the Staff Rules is to enable the ECB to make a concrete assessment of a candidate’s suitability for a particular post, the manner in which he performs his duties and his efficiency in the service (see judgment of 1 April 1992 in Case T‑26/91 Kupka-Floridi v ESC, paragraph 43). It is particularly during this period that the ECB must satisfy itself that the probationer meets all the personal and professional requirements needed to fill the post for which he was recruited and to perform the duties connected with it. In that context, an extension of the probationary period may be an appropriate measure for that purpose. Consequently, the existence of doubts as to the suitability of a newly‑recruited employee can constitute an ‘exceptional circumstance’ within the meaning of Article 2.1.2 of the ECB Staff Rules, thereby justifying an extension of his probationary period (see judgment of 26 May 2005 in Case C‑301/02 P Tralli v ECB, paragraph 73).