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European Union Official

Do you want to become a European Union Official? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

The nine European Institutions are the civil service of the European Union (EU).

The work of an official in the European Institutions might include:

• devising and drafting new legislation
• taking part in negotiations with non-EU countries
• implementing and checking the progress of programmes
• arranging and participating in meetings
• preparing reports
• responding to questions from members of the European Institutions
• dealing with enquiries from the general public
• interpreting at international conferences and meetings - for linguists
• translating policy papers, legal texts or correspondence - for linguists.

The normal working week in Brussels is 37.5 hours, although in theory staff are expected to be available for work at all times. Flexitime is available. The work is office based. There is a range of social facilities to help with integration into the working environment and everyday life of the host country.

Salaries range from about £18,300 for new entrants as assistants, to around £120,000 for officials at the highest level.

Officials must have:

• a working knowledge (to at least good A level/H grade standard) in at least one other EU language
• ability to adapt to a multilingual, cosmopolitan working atmosphere
• an interest in European and international affairs.

The Institutions employ about 37,000 officials; the majority work in Brussels. Some are located in Luxembourg and a small number work in EU offices all over the world. Entry is by open competition organised by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO).

Useful experience can be gained before applying through the European Fast Stream of the British Civil Service and the 'Stagiaire' Schemes, a five-month training and work attachment internship for young graduates.

There are two main grades: Administrators for graduates and Assistants for candidates with A levels, or equivalent, and a minimum of three years' relevant experience.

Career prospects in the European Institutions are good.

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