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The European Commission has this week launched a new Human Resources strategy aimed at streamlining its selection, recruitment and promotion processes and increasing the overall attractiveness of the Commission as an employer.
Welcoming the publication of the report, Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, emphasised the importance of Irish representation within the EU institutions:
“Given the challenges Ireland faces in relation to adequate representation among Commission staff, encouraging reform of the EU recruitment process has been a pillar of the government’s own strategy A Career for EU. Ireland has proactively engaged with the Commission on the development of this HR strategy and it is welcome to see the Commission’s commitment to ensuring geographic diversity among its staff. We look forward to working with the Commission on the implementation of this and of our own strategy in the months ahead.
“Ireland has a strong tradition of working at the heart of European affairs in fields as varied as science, agriculture, health, finance, ICT, justice and external affairs. In the coming years, however, many senior Irish personnel in the EU are expected to retire, so it is more important than ever that we work to ensure that Irish people secure roles in the Institutions in the short and medium term.”
“The government is committed to increasing the Irish presence in the EU’s Institutions. We recognise the vital role played by so many officials through the years who shaped policies and decisions which have had such a positive impact on our lives here in Ireland, and on the lives of 450 million EU citizens across the Union.”
“It is important that Irish EU officials continue to act as important channels of interaction between our national system and the EU Institutions, bringing the insights and skills that only they have. It is also important for the EU that it continues to benefit from the expertise and creativity of gifted and committed Irish people.”
The Government’s ‘A Career for EU’ Strategy aims to increase the number of Irish people working for the EU Institutions and agencies. The ambitious measures set out in the Strategy include greater outreach to schools and universities, increased scholarships in European Studies, and practical support, training and information being made available to any Irish citizens applying for positions within the European Institutions or agencies. Further information on these supports and opportunities available for Irish citizens in the EU is available at www.dfa.ie/EUJobs
