Northern European graduates are turning away from EU institutional careers

New selection figures show that graduates from Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and other Nordic nations are largely staying away from European Union careers, Euronews reported. The shift leaves the European Commission facing a growing shortage of staff from northern European countries. [1]

Out of approximately 33,000 employees holding European Commission administrator posts, only 1,370 are German and 380 are Dutch, according to Euronews. Sweden has 264 employees in these roles, while Denmark and Finland each have fewer than 200. [1]

The European Personnel Selection Office organizes open competitions to recruit staff for institutions including the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. These competitions serve as the main path to permanent careers within the European Union structure. [3]

Existing staff levels are expected to drop further as current employees retire, Euronews reported. The numbers indicate that there is currently no generational renewal in sight to replace outgoing staff. [1]