Agora #94
39 - 41
Contract Agents shouldn’t be the ones bearing the brunt of budgetary constraints due to geopolitical crises.
“We deserve more stability and opportunity”
It all started when a friend casually suggested, “Why don’t you apply for a job in Torino? Check out the EPSO website!” At that moment, I had never even heard of an EU agency in Italy, and I certainly didn’t know what an agency was.
Even though I have experience working for EU services in the past, but it was not in Italy, and not with any agency. When I was called for my first interview, I felt a wave of scepticism. I caught the train to Torino with little hope, thinking, “There’s no way I’ll make it.”
The most unforgettable moment came during my second interview when I had been shortlisted. I had to beg my boss for half a day off, leaving Milan at 12:30 for a 14:00 interview. I was 15 minutes late.
To my surprise, I was selected and the offer came on the very same day. And to add another twist, I also received news that my company was relocating to an Italian region bordering Slovenia. By that time, I was faced with a life-changing choice: take a risk on a three-year contract with a nine-month probation period or stay and move to Pordenone. I chose the path of uncertainty, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It felt like a new chapter. I was finally returning to my dream of working for the European Union.
Fast-forward to my current role as a Contract Agent within an EU agency, and I manage projects, oversee procurement, handle budget and data management, and support reporting and planning. Collaborating with teams from across the EU, its Member States, partner countries in the EU Neighborhoods, and international organizations has been a deeply enriching experience.
What I value most about my role is the supportive, multicultural environment. I work alongside people from diverse backgrounds, which fuels creativity and makes our shared commitment to the agency’s goals feel even more impactful. Despite being a Contract Agent, my contributions are valued, and I feel included in the team. However, the limitations of my contract prevent me from being fully integrated, especially when it comes to long-term opportunities.
As much as I’m passionate about my work, the uncertainty of my temporary position has affected my personal life. The first six years of my contract were fixed-term, which created a lot of challenges, especially since I live far from my family. Like many Contract Agents, I find myself struggling with job security and the lack of career progression. While I enjoy the work itself, it’s hard to plan for the future when there’s little assurance of long-term stability. The system only offers horizontal moves, with very few chances for higher positions like coordination or management roles.
To cope with the uncertainty, I’ve focused on continuous learning and adaptability. I’ve developed a plan for both my current role and potential options outside the EU framework, which helps to ease the stress. Still, the lack of long-term prospects makes personal milestones like buying a home or starting a family feel out of reach.
While there are some opportunities for Contract Agents to transition into permanent positions, the current system should be significantly improved. If there were clearer pathways and less restrictive criteria for moving through the ranks, it would encourage greater job satisfaction and retention. For instance, removing function group restrictions and shortening the time required for promotion would help foster a sense of progress for people like me, who have years of experience and expertise. It’s a frustrating reality that CAs can face years of stagnation despite their dedication.
Looking ahead, I’m still hopeful for the future, but the lack of internal and external career prospects has left me feeling less motivated. As my retirement approaches, I see fewer and fewer opportunities for growth. Although I once felt optimistic about contract renewal, I now recognize the limitations that come with it.
I’ve always been interested in transitioning to a permanent role, ideally as a Temporary Agent, and I’m actively working to strengthen my skills and expand my network. However, the resources available for professional development are limited, especially when it comes to securing external missions, which would help in building the necessary experience. The system could benefit from more mentorship, clearer career advancement strategies, and additional networking opportunities to help Contract Agents make that leap.
Advice for others considering a path like mine, I’d encourage them to invest in their professional development, network widely, and get involved in cross-departmental projects. While the challenges are real, the work is impactful and offers the chance to contribute to a greater cause. But be prepared for the uncertainty and lack of long-term stability— this is a crucial aspect of the role that should not be overlooked. I would advise them to be fully aware of the temporary nature of the contract and the limited career prospects, as staying within the same agency for an extended period without sacrificing career progression is very difficult.
When I reflect on my own journey, I wish I had been better prepared for the limitations of temporary contracts. If I could go back, I would have sought more training and mentorship to help me navigate the complexities of the EU system, especially when it comes to competing for Official and Temporary Agent roles.
I continue to hold out hope for improvements, but I’m also exploring other career options that offer more stability and clearer progression, such as roles in the private sector, academia, or international organizations. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between personal aspirations and professional goals.
For those contemplating a similar path, I’d say this work is rewarding but comes with significant challenges. If you’re willing to embrace the uncertainty and invest in your skills, it can be an enriching experience. But be realistic about the limited career advancement and be prepared to weigh your options for the future.
As for the new Commission, I’m not particularly hopeful that it will address the career progression challenges faced by Contract and Temporary Agents. However, I do hope that the Unions and the EC Staff Committee will advocate for change. CAs shouldn’t be the ones bearing the brunt of budgetary constraints due to geopolitical crises. We deserve more stability and opportunity.
Aleksandra FALCONE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aleksandra Falcone has extensive international experience in EU-funded project management, policy analysis, and strategic planning. Since 2006, she has been working at the European Training Foundation (ETF) as a Strategy Officer. She has held roles as a Policy Analyst at the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, providing insights on political, military, and economic developments; Deputy Head of Administration at the European Community Monitoring Mission (EUMM), and in OSCE operations in Kosovo¹. She also has military experience as a Captain in the Italian Army Commissariat. With a Master’s in Economics and expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and financial management, she specialises in fostering international cooperation and institutional development.