A Seconded National Expert (SNE) is a civil servant or public-sector employee from an EU member state who is temporarily posted to an EU institution while remaining on their national payroll. SNEs bring specialist knowledge from their home administration and keep Brussels and the national capital in contact with each other.
SNE postings typically last from 6 months to 4 years and are governed by Commission Decision C(2008) 6866 on the rules applicable to seconded national experts. The seconding administration continues to pay the SNE's salary, and the host institution covers a daily subsistence allowance plus a monthly subsistence allowance whose amount depends on the duty station. Brussels, Luxembourg and other cities have published rates. The seconding employer also pays a contribution towards travel and relocation. Vacancies are advertised on the EU institutions' careers portals, on the EEAS website and through national Permanent Representations, which act as the formal channel for candidate applications. The host service selects the SNE on the basis of a CV and interview. SNEs do not become EU officials by serving as an expert, but the experience counts for a lot with selection boards in later EPSO competitions, and it lets you test whether an EU career suits you without giving up your national post.
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays an SNE's salary?
- The national administration that seconded you continues to pay your salary, pension contributions and social security. The EU institution covers a daily and monthly subsistence allowance plus a travel and installation contribution.
- Can I apply directly to be an SNE?
- No. Applications go through your member state's Permanent Representation to the EU, which validates that you are eligible to be seconded and forwards your CV to the host service. Private-sector employees are not eligible: SNE status requires public-sector employment.