EU citizens have an opportunity to apply for permanent or temporary positions at the EU Institutions. Having a job at one of the EU institutions has a number of advantages: dynamic work environment, responsibility, learning and advancement, excellent pay and work conditions. But, the competition is very strong and you have to prepare well.
About 40 000 people work for these EU institutions:
European Commission
European Parliament
The Council
Court of Justice of the European Union
Court of Auditors
European Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions
European Ombudsman
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is in charge of the selection procedure for permanent positions. The open competition, also known by its French name Concours, evaluates competencies such as analysis and problem solving, communicating, delivering quality and results, prioritising and organising, resilience, working with others, and leadership. Citizens of the member states can apply for positions at the following levels:
- Administrator (AD) – officials who have completed (at least) three years of university. Administrators are involved in drafting and monitoring the implementation of EU policies or they work as translators and interpreters.
- Assistant (AST and SC) – supporting staff who must have completed (at least) secondary school.
In addition to permanent positions, EU citizens can apply for contractual and temporary jobs at the institutions, offices and agencies across the EU. The European Institutions also offer three to five month traineeships to students and graduates. The selection of trainees is organized by the institutions, not by EPSO.
