Key facts
- The European Commission's confidential counsellor team was established in fall 2024.
- The team has received approximately 960 reports.
- Complaints include harassment, toxic management, and long working hours.
- The counsellors lack the authority to investigate the allegations.
- The team is confidential.
The European Commission's confidential counsellor team, established in the fall of 2024, has been inundated with reports from staff detailing various workplace grievances. Approximately 960 complaints have been lodged with the team, covering issues such as harassment, toxic management practices, and excessively long working hours. These figures indicate a substantial number of employees experiencing difficulties within the Commission's environment.
Despite the high volume of reports, a significant limitation exists: the confidential counsellors do not possess the authority to conduct formal investigations into the allegations. This lack of investigative power means that while staff have a channel to voice their concerns, the counsellors cannot independently verify or pursue these claims, potentially hindering resolution.