EU Administrators grade AD5 - Brussels or Luxembourg

EU Administrators grade AD5 - Brussels or Luxembourg

There are three things you need to be an :

• EU citizenship: You must be a national of an EU Member State.
• A degree: Completed university studies of at least three years, attested by a diploma. For Irish candidates, this means an Honours Bachelor degree (3 years / 180 ECTS) or higher. An Ordinary Bachelor degree or National Diploma is not sufficient. Your diploma must be awarded by 30 September 2026, so final-year students can apply.
• Two EU languages: One at C1 level (thorough knowledge) and another at B2 level (satisfactory knowledge) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) [Assessment grid - English]. Irish candidates can use any combination of the 24 official EU languages, including English and Irish.

The AD5 is the main way into a permanent career in the EU institutions. AD5 is the entry-level administrator or policy officer grade, though those with 5-15 years’ work experience are also often recruited. EPSO (the EU's recruitment office) runs the competition. Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

1,490 people will be placed on the reserve list/panel this time, which is a one of the largest intakes in recent years. Getting on that list, means you can apply for jobs in the EU institutions or they can contact you directly about job opportunities, typically based in Brussels or Luxembourg.

If you an Irish citizen with a degree, a high level of proficiency in two EU languages, and want to make a real difference to 450 million people, you should seriously consider it.

Irish people are highly valued by the EU institutions thanks to our global outlook and English language skills. Ireland is one of only two countries to have had two Secretary Generals of the European Commission.

The EU offers a generous starting salary, good work-life balance, comprehensive health insurance, and provides significant supports to help you and your family relocate to Brussels or Luxembourg. These include reimbursement of moving expenses and dedicated staff to assist settling in. Your family will also receive free childcare and free tuition to top-class schools.

Brussels and Luxembourg have thriving Irish communities, with GAA and rugby clubs, and even their own Gaeltacht, making it a home from home for thousands of Irish people.

Finally, they are only a short train ride from Amsterdam and Paris - the ideal base to travel and explore the continent!

AD5 administrators work across the EU institutions in areas like policy development for Artificial Intelligence or Climate Change, legal analysis, programme management, stakeholder relations, and communications.

You might end up drafting legislation in the Commission, coordinating Council positions, or managing an EU funding programme.

The work is varied, intellectually demanding, and genuinely shapes the daily lives of 450 million people across the EU. As you progress in your career there are opportunities to work in different areas or even abroad. Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply.