This highly practical book is essential reading for anyone wanting to know about the
many ways to get a job and build a career in the EU public administration.
This 2024 edition has been fully updated to take account of major developments such
as the new format of EPSO competitions, the increased availability of internal
competitions, and important trends in the types of jobs and career pathways available.
Working for the EU: How to Get In 2024 explains:
The wide range of positions in the EU institutions and agencies, in Brussels,
Luxembourg and (increasingly) elsewhere
The many types, advantages and disadvantages of permanent and temporary
posts
How temporary posts can become stepping stones to permanent or very long-
term jobs
The critical difference between being selected and being recruited – and how
recruitment really works
The little-known alternatives to passing an open competition
The value of stages and other types of traineeships
The crucial importance of ‘being there’ and building your networks
Why and how you should think strategically, keeping as many options open as
possible
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. So, do you want to work for the European Union?
2. The EU civil service: the permanent officials
3. Where do European Union staff work?
4. Temporary staff: Temporary Agents and Contract Staff
5. Temporary staff: the other categories
6. Getting to ‘Brussels’
7. Getting a stage (traineeships/internships)
8. Narratives and networks
9. Getting in: climbing Mount Everest
10. The EPSO open competition: the classic ‘South Col’ route
11.Internal competitions (the ‘North Col’) and other routes
12. Trends and future prospects
Author:
Johannes de Berlaymont is the nom de plume of a widely experienced former EU insider,
working with a network of advisers and correspondents in the institutions.