More British nationals in the EU civil service can transform our influence

The UK represents 12% of the EU’s population yet it currently only makes up 4.8% of the EU’s Civil Service workforce. In 2011 British applicants accounted for only 2.6% of all applicants, lower than any other EU Member State.

I believe that a shortage of British staff undermines our influence in the EU. The EU affects each and every one of us.  If we want the EU to serve our interests, then we need the thoughts, ideas and innovation that this country produces in such numbers to be equally represented

We need British nationals to join now to become the future leaders of the EU. Getting the UK better represented in EU institutions is an important issue for the government, including the Foreign Secretary. And that is why the Foreign Office is leading a campaign to encourage British nationals to consider a career in the EU institutions.

UK nationals are well-known for their quality and professionalism, and I believe that British graduates can transform our representation in the EU Institutions. It is an exciting career which impacts on the lives of 500 million people in 27 countries, and I sincerely hope that bright British graduates take this opportunity to apply. Watch our videos to find out what life is really like in the EU Civil Service.

The application process for a career in the EU Civil Service is now open. This process is called the concours and will close at 1200hrs on 17th April 2012. To apply you will need to be a graduate and be able to speak French or German *.

To find out more about careers in the EU Civil Service please visit our dedicated website which has all of the information you need to consider applying for a career in the EU.

 *Your second language has to be English, French or German. So if your main language is English you will need to choose French or German as your second language. However,  if you are highly fluent in another official  EU member state language then you can choose this as your first language and English as your second, for example Spanish and English or Italian and English.