Major EU careers competition now open to Irish candidates

For the first time since 2019, the EU's main recruitment pathway for permanent careers in the EU institutions has been launched. The AD5 Generalist Administrator competition is now open to eligible candidates and will remain open until 10 March 2026.

Successful candidates will join the European Commission as permanent officials, with roles offering competitive salaries, excellent benefits, strong job security, and the opportunity to work on behalf of 450 million EU citizens, across a range of exciting policy areas.

The Government of Ireland is committed to helping Irish candidates succeed in the AD5 Generalist Administrator competition. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers comprehensive supports, including expert-led webinars, tailored training workshops, and guidance at every stage of the application and assessment process.

Commenting on the EU careers AD5 competition launch, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, said: "I strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for the AD5 Generalist Administrator competition to do so. Whether you're already working in an EU institution, in the Irish public service, or in the private sector, I am encouraging eligible Irish people to put yourself forward for this brilliant EU career opportunity."

Minister Byrne added: "Irish people have a proud tradition of contributing to the European project at the highest levels. We need the next generation to continue that legacy. If you have the language skills and the ambition to shape Europe's future, I strongly encourage you to apply and to make full use of the supports that the Government is providing at every stage of the application and assessment process."

Run by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), the competition is open to university graduates with strong skills in two EU languages: one at C1 (fluent) level and another at B2 (upper-intermediate) level. Importantly for Irish candidates, both English and Irish count as official EU languages, meaning candidates can apply using these as their two languages. Applications can be completed in any of the 24 official EU languages, including Irish.

While no prior professional experience is formally required, this is a competitive process. Those who succeed typically combine strong language skills with professional experience and a curiosity to find out how the European Union works. Irish candidates already working in EU institutions in temporary roles, or those with experience in the Irish civil service, international organisations, or European affairs, are particularly well-placed.

Visit Ireland.ie/eu-jobs to access the resources offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and register for upcoming events.

The EU Careers initiative is a high priority for the Government of Ireland under its A Career for EU strategy. Ireland is currently under-represented among permanent officials in the European Commission. Increasing the number of successful Irish candidates in EPSO competitions is essential to maintaining Ireland's voice and influence in the EU institutions.

The AD5 grade is the entry-level for permanent EU administrators (policy officials). The assessment process includes psychometric tests, an EU knowledge questionnaire, a written test, and a digital skills assessment.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 5 February 2026
• Applications close: 10 March 2026
• Assessment tests: Late March to mid-April 2026
• Laureate list formation: October/November 2026

For More Information

• https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/apply-graduate-competition-ad-5
• Ireland.ie/eu-jobs - Government supports and resources
• eu-careers.europa.eu - Official EPSO competition page