Key facts
- The European Commission receives around 170,000 applications for 1,500 entry-level positions.
- Officials report long hours, extensive bureaucracy, and challenging management as common issues.
- Workload pressure has increased due to the Commission's growing geopolitical role.
- Experiences vary widely, with some cabinets having reputations for supportive environments and others for toxic cultures.
- A chief confidential counsellor has received 960 reports related to harassment and workplace conflict since September 2024.
The European Commission, a highly coveted employer in Brussels, is facing scrutiny over internal working conditions. Despite a strong appeal due to prestige, financial incentives, and the opportunity to shape policies affecting over 450 million Europeans, many officials report significant dissatisfaction. Interviews with a dozen current and former officials reveal widespread issues including long working hours, cumbersome bureaucracy, and, in some cases, toxic management.
Officials describe a high-pressure environment where workload has increased, leading to burnout and a questioning of whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The institution's expanding geopolitical role has intensified the sense of urgency and pressure on every file. Communication breakdowns between cabinet teams and policy departments (Directorates-General) are cited as a persistent structural problem, hindering efficiency and increasing staff frustration.
Experiences within the Commission vary considerably, often depending on the specific commissioner's cabinet and leadership style. While some cabinets are known for supportive environments, others have reputations for fostering toxic working cultures, characterized by infighting and aggressive management. Reports of shouting, public berating, and even physical altercations have surfaced.
In response to these concerns, the Commission has implemented measures such as hiring a chief confidential counsellor and conducting anti-harassment training for staff and managers. However, the counsellor's role is informal and lacks investigative powers, meaning formal complaints must still be directed to specialized offices like the Investigation and Disciplinary Office (IDOC) or the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).