Your insider guide to landing an EU job

Are you thinking about a career in the EU institutions and bodies? The good news is that the Publications Office of the EU has curated a dynamic, ever-growing collection of study materials specifically designed to help you prepare for selection procedures.

Mastering the EU landscape

Think of this multilingual collection as your own insightful guide to getting an EU job. Instead of browsing countless sites, you get a focused library covering the essentials. The collection dives deep into the institutional set-up, helping you understand exactly how they work.

You’ll find clear guides on the roles of the European Council, the Parliament and the Court of Justice, along with the history of how their powers evolved. It also breaks down the legal framework and decision-making processes, making sure you grasp not just what the EU does, but how it gets things done. From the intricacies of the euro area to the achievements of the European Green Deal, these resources give you the big picture context that examiners love to see.

Preparation is key

Beyond knowing the EU institutions, you need to understand what kind of people make them function. Part of this collection focuses on the specific skills and competences required to become an EU civil servant, including the eight core competencies (e.g. communication, creative problem-solving) that define an EU official. There are even guides on plain language to help you do well in the written communication tests.

This library is also continuously brought up to date, with new publications added and older editions replaced as revised versions become available. At the time of writing this article, there were 14 publications. When you get round to reading this, there could be 15. This means you are always studying the most recent publications on the EU’s political priorities and economic realities. It’s a living resource that evolves alongside the EU.

How the EU recruits staff

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is responsible for organising selection procedures for permanent and contract positions in the EU institutions, bodies and agencies. For permanent positions, EPSO organises open competitions involving several stages, from the publication of the competition to the creation of a reserve list. This list contains successful candidates who may be recruited when vacancies arise. Contract staff, meanwhile, are recruited mainly to support temporary administrative work or provide specialised expertise. They generally work under fixed-term contracts of up to six years.

Your Plan B is still Plan A

While these study materials give you a deep understanding of Europe’s machinery, their value extends far beyond the recruitment process. If an EU career doesn’t materialise immediately, don’t let your momentum fade. The knowledge and skills gained from these texts can open doors to paths you never expected.

This is where EURES can support you. Whether you’re looking for roles in public administration, NGOs or the private sector, EURES serves as a gateway to the wider European labour market. Through its network of EURES Advisers, you can receive personalised guidance on turning that newfound expertise into opportunities abroad. The EURES portal also offers a range of other services, from information on living and working conditions across Europe to vacancy listings in 31 European countries.

Study hard for your dream job, but remember: if one door doesn’t open immediately, there’s always another one.

Read about the different types of work available across Europe and how EURES supports jobseekers in building a successful career abroad.

Related links:

EU careers: study materials

The European Council and the Council of the European Union

The evolving powers of the European Parliament

The Court of Justice of the European Union

70 years of EU law

The euro area

A short guide to the EU

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

EU careers