A draft proposal outlining changes to the existing system of personnel recruitment to apply to the new European External Action Service (EEAS) is currently being discussed by the European Commission. The paper recommends that all posts in the new 6,000-strong diplomatic service should be open to officials currently serving in the Council of Ministers, the Commission or the foreign services of member states, on an equal basis. Current EU rules state that EU institutions should give preference when filling vacant posts to candidates already working within that institution. The proposal suggests that access to posts should be opened up to candidates working in other EU institutions, such as the European Parliament, before 1 July 2013.

The draft proposal includes the provision that EU officials should be automatically transferred to the new diplomatic corps if they are working in a part of the Commission or the Council's secretariat which will become part of the EEAS. Under current rules, EU officials cannot be moved between institutions without their consent.

After any changes to the staff rules have been approved by the Commission, they must be submitted to a vote in Parliament.

Source:

• European Voice

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