Policy Officer - European Commission (AD5, Brussels)
About this position
The summary below is published by European Commission on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.
1
> TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
# MAKE A DIFFERENCE - JOIN THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Do you want to help shape the future of the European Union? Make the planet greener,
promote a fairer society, or support businesses and innovation across the EU ? Then come and
work for the European Commission where you can really make a difference!
Commission staff are a diverse group of people, who are motivated to help make Europe – and
the world – a better place. They come from the 27 Member States of the European Union.
Different nationalities, backgrounds, languages and cultures make the Commission a vibrant and
inclusive place to work .
WE OFFER GREAT JOBS AND GREAT WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Interesting and challenging jobs with plenty of opportunities for training and acquiring
new skills and competencies throughout your whole career
• Opportunities to move between different policy areas throughout your career
• A package of flexible working conditions including the possibility of teleworking – we
care about your work -life balance
• A competitive financial package, including comprehensive healthcare , accident and
pension schemes
• A multilingual, multicultural workplace where personal and career development are
strongly promoted
• Multilingual schools for your children
We recruit from a wide range of backgrounds and actively promote diversity and
inclusion:
We do not only recruit political scientists and lawyers but are also looking for all kinds of
profiles, including scientists, linguists , IT experts, data analysts and economists, as well as drivers
and engineers.
We are committed to equal opportunities and to foster ing a rich, diverse and inclusive working
environment. We aim for our workforce to be representative of European society and strongly
welcome applications from all qualified candidates . We actively seek to create a workplace where
each staff member feels valued and respected, can give their best and can develop to their full
potential. 2
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
To promote diversity and establish a geographically balanced pool of candidates , we strongly
encourage applicants from Member States which are currently underrepresented in the European
Commission workforce to apply. These Member States are currently Austria, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg,
Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden 1. Recruitment will however remain strictly based on the
merits of all applicants and no positions will be reserved for nationals of any specific Member
State.
For more information ec.europa.eu/work -with -us
STAFF RECRUITED ON CONTRACTS
In addition to permanent officials, the European Commission offers non -permanent positions .
There are two categories of non -permanent staff:
> •
temporary agents are recruited to fill vacant positions for a set amount of ti me or
to perform highly specialised tasks .
> •
contract agents may provide additional capacity in specialised fields where an
insufficient number of officials is available or carry out a number of administrative or
manual tasks. They are generally recruited for fixed -term contracts (maximum 6 years in
any EU Institution), but in some cases they can be offered contracts for an indefinite
duration (in offices, agencies, delegations or representations).
For more information on different staff categories
> 1Please note that the list of underrepresented Member States may be subject to future amendment based on potential > data changes over time.
3
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
# Policy Officer
# Directorate - General Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD )
# of the European Commission
Selection reference: TAXUD /COM/2026/1141
Domain: Taxation
Where : Unit TAXUD .B.5 – “Customs Tariff “, Brussels
Staff category and Function Group : Temporary agent 2(b) – Administrator
Grade range: AD5 -7
Publication deadline : 06 .08 .202 6 - 12.00 (Brussels time)
WE ARE
The Directorate General Customs and Taxation (DG TAXUD) mission is to promote fair and
sustainable policies that generate revenue for the EU and its Member States and ensure that EU
citizens and businesses benefit from global trade and a safe and secure Single Market, protected at
its borders.
Directorate Digital delivery of Customs and Taxation Policies (Directorate B) is responsible for the
Common Customs Tariff, including classification, suspensions and quotas for goods entering the EU.
The directorate is also the digital powerhouse of TAXUD, dealing with digital policies aspects in
customs and taxation, as well as with digital delivery. The directorate is in the lead for the EU Single
Window Environment for Customs, and the digital delivery of the Union Customs Code, the Customs
Reform, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and all the initiatives in customs, direct
and indirect taxation, which have a daily impact on the lives of citizens and businesses. As such, the
directorate also runs a large -scale digital operation which is the second largest in the Commission in
terms of budget and size.
The European Parliament and Council have recently reached an agreement on a large strategic
overhaul of the Customs Union and in particular the creation of an EU Customs Authority which will
build and manage an EU Customs Data Hub, replacing all existing customs systems.
The Directorate includes 130 staff with a good mix of officials, temporary and contract agents,
national experts, all supported by 115 intra/extra muros, and is working with a very large number of
contractors.
Within Directorate TAXUD.B, Unit B.5 "Customs Tariff' is a dynamic and motivated team of an overall
total of about 40 people in charge of an interesting and diverse set of activities starting with the
management of the Common Customs Tariff - the cornerstone of the Customs Union, key for the
design and implementation of tariff -related EU policy such as agricultural, industrial, sanction, or 4
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
commercial policies - as well as the legislative action on autonomous tariff suspensions, quotas and
duty reliefs. The Unit is also managing EU -wide databases related to the above, used also by
Member States and economic operators in their daily operations, and coordinating the Customs
Laboratories European Network.
The unit applies a flexible approach with respect to work organisation, within the normal constraints
of the work. The unit ensures integration of newcomers through mentoring and teamwork.
WE PROPOSE
We propose a challenging and stimulating AD position in the unit's sector in charge of the
Combined Nomenclature (CN) forming the EU tariff structure .
The successful candidate will participate in the legislative work and negotiations related to the
yearly amendment of the CN . He/ she will implement, ensure and monitor the proper
implementation of EU policies and/or application of EU legislation in the area of CN . He/she will
assist with the CN database to facilitate the publication process for the CN and will also provide
advice and analysis on future developments of the CN database .
Regular contacts with other Commission services and external stakeholders (Member States,
European industry and associations, third countries, international organizations) are an
important part of the daily work Within DG TAXUD, Directorate B regularly works with task
forces and project teams and there will also be opportunities to contribute to the activity of
other sectors in the Unit and the Directorate as well as horizontal project teams of the DG.
WE LOOK FOR
A dynamic, well -organized, and highly motivated AD colleague with solid experience in EU trade
policy and/or customs . The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a good
understanding of the relevant legislation for trade and customs policy including the Common
Customs Tariff, Harmonized System, and of the Commission legislative and administrative
procedures .
He/she should be ready to work and deliver expected quality outputs under pressure and tight
deadlines .
He/she should have an excellent ability for public speaking (various size meetings, including with
Member States), drafting (working documents, notes and similar) and analysing economic
implications .5
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
HOW TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST?
You should send your documents in a single pdf in the following order:
1. your CV 2. completed application form.
Please send these documents by the publication deadline to TAXUD -UNIT [email protected]
indicating the selection reference TAXUD/COM/2026/1141 in the subject.
No applications will be accepted after the publication deadline. 6
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
# ANNEX
# 1. Selection
➢ Am I eligible to apply?
You must meet the following eligibility criteria when you validate your application :
Our rules provide that you can only be recruited as a temporary agent at the European Commission if you:
General criteria:
• Are a citizen of a Member State of the EU and enjoy full rights as a citizen
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by applicable laws concerning military service
• Are physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post
• Produce the appropriate character references as to suitability for the performance of the duties.
Qualifications:
In order to be recruited for this position, you must have at least a level of education which
corresponds to completed university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma.
Only qualifications issued or recognised as equivalent by EU Member State authorities (e.g. by the
Ministry of Education) will be accepted. Furthermore, before recruitment, you will be required to
provide the documents that corroborate the eligibility criteria (diplomas, certificates and ot
Position details
- Reference
- TAXUD/COM/2026/1141
- Directorate-General
- TAXUD - Taxation and Customs Union
- Vacancy Notice
- Download PDF
- Last Verified
- 24 July 2026
Position overview
This is the official EU Careers listing for Policy Officer at European Commission based in Brussels at the AD5 grade level (Temporary Agent). The vacancy reference is TAXUD/COM/2026/1141. It is hosted by TAXUD - Taxation and Customs Union, the Directorate-General responsible for this policy area. The role falls under the Taxation domain.
1
> TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
# MAKE A DIFFERENCE - JOIN THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Do you want to help shape the future of the European Union? Make the planet greener,
promote a fairer society, or support businesses and innovation across the EU ? Then come and
work for the European Commission where you can really make a difference!
Commission staff are a diverse group of people, who are motivated to help make Europe – and
the world – a better place. They come from the 27 Member States of the European Union.
Different nationalities, backgrounds, languages and cultures make the Commission a vibrant and
inclusive place to work .
WE OFFER GREAT JOBS AND GREAT WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Interesting and challenging jobs with plenty of opportunities for training and acquiring
new skills and competencies throughout your whole career
• Opportunities to move between different policy areas throughout your career
• A package of flexible working conditions including the possibility of teleworking – we
care about your work -life balance
• A competitive financial package, including comprehensive healthcare , accident and
pension schemes
• A multilingual, multicultural workplace where personal and career development are
strongly promoted
• Multilingual schools for your children
We recruit from a wide range of backgrounds and actively promote diversity and
inclusion:
We do not only recruit political scientists and lawyers but are also looking for all kinds of
profiles, including scientists, linguists , IT experts, data analysts and economists, as well as drivers
and engineers.
We are committed to equal opportunities and to foster ing a rich, diverse and inclusive working
environment. We aim for our workforce to be representative of European society and strongly
welcome applications from all qualified candidates . We actively seek to create a workplace where
each staff member feels valued and respected, can give their best and can develop to their full
potential. 2
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
To promote diversity and establish a geographically balanced pool of candidates , we strongly
encourage applicants from Member States which are currently underrepresented in the European
Commission workforce to apply. These Member States are currently Austria, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg,
Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Sweden 1. Recruitment will however remain strictly based on the
merits of all applicants and no positions will be reserved for nationals of any specific Member
State.
For more information ec.europa.eu/work -with -us
STAFF RECRUITED ON CONTRACTS
In addition to permanent officials, the European Commission offers non -permanent positions .
There are two categories of non -permanent staff:
> •
temporary agents are recruited to fill vacant positions for a set amount of ti me or
to perform highly specialised tasks .
> •
contract agents may provide additional capacity in specialised fields where an
insufficient number of officials is available or carry out a number of administrative or
manual tasks. They are generally recruited for fixed -term contracts (maximum 6 years in
any EU Institution), but in some cases they can be offered contracts for an indefinite
duration (in offices, agencies, delegations or representations).
For more information on different staff categories
> 1Please note that the list of underrepresented Member States may be subject to future amendment based on potential > data changes over time.
3
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
# Policy Officer
# Directorate - General Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD )
# of the European Commission
Selection reference: TAXUD /COM/2026/1141
Domain: Taxation
Where : Unit TAXUD .B.5 – “Customs Tariff “, Brussels
Staff category and Function Group : Temporary agent 2(b) – Administrator
Grade range: AD5 -7
Publication deadline : 06 .08 .202 6 - 12.00 (Brussels time)
WE ARE
The Directorate General Customs and Taxation (DG TAXUD) mission is to promote fair and
sustainable policies that generate revenue for the EU and its Member States and ensure that EU
citizens and businesses benefit from global trade and a safe and secure Single Market, protected at
its borders.
Directorate Digital delivery of Customs and Taxation Policies (Directorate B) is responsible for the
Common Customs Tariff, including classification, suspensions and quotas for goods entering the EU.
The directorate is also the digital powerhouse of TAXUD, dealing with digital policies aspects in
customs and taxation, as well as with digital delivery. The directorate is in the lead for the EU Single
Window Environment for Customs, and the digital delivery of the Union Customs Code, the Customs
Reform, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and all the initiatives in customs, direct
and indirect taxation, which have a daily impact on the lives of citizens and businesses. As such, the
directorate also runs a large -scale digital operation which is the second largest in the Commission in
terms of budget and size.
The European Parliament and Council have recently reached an agreement on a large strategic
overhaul of the Customs Union and in particular the creation of an EU Customs Authority which will
build and manage an EU Customs Data Hub, replacing all existing customs systems.
The Directorate includes 130 staff with a good mix of officials, temporary and contract agents,
national experts, all supported by 115 intra/extra muros, and is working with a very large number of
contractors.
Within Directorate TAXUD.B, Unit B.5 "Customs Tariff' is a dynamic and motivated team of an overall
total of about 40 people in charge of an interesting and diverse set of activities starting with the
management of the Common Customs Tariff - the cornerstone of the Customs Union, key for the
design and implementation of tariff -related EU policy such as agricultural, industrial, sanction, or 4
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
commercial policies - as well as the legislative action on autonomous tariff suspensions, quotas and
duty reliefs. The Unit is also managing EU -wide databases related to the above, used also by
Member States and economic operators in their daily operations, and coordinating the Customs
Laboratories European Network.
The unit applies a flexible approach with respect to work organisation, within the normal constraints
of the work. The unit ensures integration of newcomers through mentoring and teamwork.
WE PROPOSE
We propose a challenging and stimulating AD position in the unit's sector in charge of the
Combined Nomenclature (CN) forming the EU tariff structure .
The successful candidate will participate in the legislative work and negotiations related to the
yearly amendment of the CN . He/ she will implement, ensure and monitor the proper
implementation of EU policies and/or application of EU legislation in the area of CN . He/she will
assist with the CN database to facilitate the publication process for the CN and will also provide
advice and analysis on future developments of the CN database .
Regular contacts with other Commission services and external stakeholders (Member States,
European industry and associations, third countries, international organizations) are an
important part of the daily work Within DG TAXUD, Directorate B regularly works with task
forces and project teams and there will also be opportunities to contribute to the activity of
other sectors in the Unit and the Directorate as well as horizontal project teams of the DG.
WE LOOK FOR
A dynamic, well -organized, and highly motivated AD colleague with solid experience in EU trade
policy and/or customs . The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a good
understanding of the relevant legislation for trade and customs policy including the Common
Customs Tariff, Harmonized System, and of the Commission legislative and administrative
procedures .
He/she should be ready to work and deliver expected quality outputs under pressure and tight
deadlines .
He/she should have an excellent ability for public speaking (various size meetings, including with
Member States), drafting (working documents, notes and similar) and analysing economic
implications .5
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
HOW TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST?
You should send your documents in a single pdf in the following order:
1. your CV 2. completed application form.
Please send these documents by the publication deadline to TAXUD -UNIT [email protected]
indicating the selection reference TAXUD/COM/2026/1141 in the subject.
No applications will be accepted after the publication deadline. 6
TAXUD /COM/20 26 /1141
# ANNEX
# 1. Selection
➢ Am I eligible to apply?
You must meet the following eligibility criteria when you validate your application :
Our rules provide that you can only be recruited as a temporary agent at the European Commission if you:
General criteria:
• Are a citizen of a Member State of the EU and enjoy full rights as a citizen
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by applicable laws concerning military service
• Are physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post
• Produce the appropriate character references as to suitability for the performance of the duties.
Qualifications:
In order to be recruited for this position, you must have at least a level of education which
corresponds to completed university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma.
Only qualifications issued or recognised as equivalent by EU Member State authorities (e.g. by the
Ministry of Education) will be accepted. Furthermore, before recruitment, you will be required to
provide the documents that corroborate the eligibility criteria (diplomas, certificates and ot
Salary at this grade
Basic monthly salary at AD5 runs from €6,153 (step 1) to €6,961 (top step), giving an annual range of roughly €73,836 to €83,532 before tax and allowances. Steps increase automatically every two years; the figures here are taken from the salary grid in the EU Staff Regulations.
Eligible staff posted away from their country of nationality also receive an expatriation allowance worth 16% of basic salary (around €984 per month at step 1 of AD5) together with household, dependent-child, and education allowances where applicable. Take-home pay is then adjusted by the country correction coefficient for Brussels. For a worked example see our correction coefficients guide and the EU salaries overview.
Application timeline
This vacancy was first listed on 24 July 2026, 2 days ago.
The application deadline is 6 August 2026, 9 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.
Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 24 July 2026 (2 days ago).
Where to learn more
For full responsibilities, requirements, and career progression at AD5 see our AD5 grade page; for headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at European Commission see the European Commission institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Brussels see our Brussels location page; for related vacancies in the Taxation field browse our Taxation domain page.
New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.
Net pay at this grade
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Career trajectory
Language profile
Application cadence
Visit the official European Commission website
Source: This job listing was sourced from the official EU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: . Salary estimate based on EU Staff Regulations.