Contract Types

The EU employs five main categories of staff: permanent Officials recruited through EPSO competitions, Temporary Agents on fixed-term contracts that often convert to long-term posts, Contract Agents engaged for specific operational tasks, Seconded National Experts on loan from member-state administrations, and Trainees on the five-month Blue Book and Schuman programmes. Each category has its own salary grid, contract length, and recruitment process — chosen to suit the type of work and the organisational needs of the hiring institution.

Choosing the right route depends on your circumstances. Officials offer the most stability and the clearest career path; temporary agent posts are often the fastest way into a specialist agency; contract agent roles suit candidates who want shorter commitments or are testing the waters; SNE postings are ideal for civil servants from member states; and traineeships are the standard entry point for recent graduates. Tap any category to see the current open positions and how to apply.