The range of career opportunities is vast. The
EU currently uses 23 official languages, so
there are great opportunities for translators
and interpreters as well as lawyer-linguists.
To work as a linguist you will need to be
proficient in a third EU language.
Job opportunities for non-linguists cover the
whole range of work which you would expect
to find in any national civil service.
Administrators could find themselves
drafting policy papers, working in the
research area, dealing with human resources
issues, managing projects, developing
communication strategies, providing legal
advice, or implementing IT projects.
What does the EU offer?
In addition to the satisfaction offered by
interesting and challengingwork, the EUoffers:
a competitive salary — currently about
EUR 46 000 p.a. for a graduate without
professional experience;
generous allowances according to personal
circumstances, including a 16%expatriation
allowance, if applicable, paid throughout the
career, dependant child allowance, education
allowance and householder allowance;
access to excellent training, including
language training;
good medical cover;
children's education, free of charge, at the
European schools, subject to availability
of places;
a good pension scheme.
Where would I work?
By far the majority of openings, about 80 %,
are in Brussels. Most of the remaining
opportunities are in Luxembourg. However,
there are also some posts in decentralised
agencies in the EU. Career opportunities exist
also in the EU Representations and
Delegations within the Union as well as in
third countries.
How do I apply?
Entry is by open competition. All
competitions are advertised on the EPSO
website, where you will also find a forward
programme of competitions, so that you may
check for ongoing and future opportunities.
Can I get work experience in the institutions?
Most of the institutions organise traineeships
lasting a few months.
Consult the EPSO website for more
information.
How can I prepare for the selection tests?
You will find some sample tests on the EPSO
website. You can also learn
more about the EU institutions from the
Europa website.
Where can I get information in my own
country?
The Commission Representations and
European Parliament Information Offices in
the Member States may be able to offer help
and advice or the UK Cabinet Office
You may also contact directly Inforecruitment,
the information desk of EPSO.
How good does my second language need to
be?
No formal qualification is needed. You need
to be reasonably fluent in your second
language and you will be required to sit your
admission tests in that language.
Are special arrangements made for
applicants suffering from a disability?
Yes. The EU institutions are committed to
equal opportunities. You will find further
information on this point in the competition
notice.
Does the EU operate national quotas
when recruiting?
No. When countries join the EU we have
special arrangements for their nationals for a
limited period, but this is an exception.
Normally, applicants from all Member States
compete on an equal basis.
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