Foreign relations of the European Union

EEAS Vacancy Notice: Contract Agent FGIII - Human Resources Mana

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 12, 2020

We are:Within the Directorate for Human Resources, the Career and Learning Development Division (BA.HR.4) aims to find the best match between the staffing needs of the EEAS and the professional development of its staff. To this purpose, the Division is committed to supporting EEAS staff in fulfilling their full potential and their career aspirations. The division is notably in charge ofensuring the smooth implementation of the statutory career development policies (e.g. appraisal, promotion/ reclassification, certification)developing overall career policies and guidanceoffering modern and effective learning and development opportunities for staffmanage the annual training budgets for Delegations and Headquarters. The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the work of the High Representative in defining and implementing an effective and coherent EU foreign policy.

Key Points: 

We are:

  • Within the Directorate for Human Resources, the Career and Learning Development Division (BA.HR.4) aims to find the best match between the staffing needs of the EEAS and the professional development of its staff. To this purpose, the Division is committed to supporting EEAS staff in fulfilling their full potential and their career aspirations. The division is notably in charge of
    • ensuring the smooth implementation of the statutory career development policies (e.g. appraisal, promotion/ reclassification, certification)
    • developing overall career policies and guidance
    • offering modern and effective learning and development opportunities for staff
    • manage the annual training budgets for Delegations and Headquarters.
    • The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the work of the High Representative in defining and implementing an effective and coherent EU foreign policy.
    • The EEAS supports his tasks of conducting the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairing the Foreign Affairs Council.
    • The EEAS works in close cooperation with Member States, the Council and relevant services of the European Commission.

We propose


    The position of the Human Resources Management Assistant – Course Manager, contract agent FGIII as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). This position is situated in the Learning and Develoment sector and encompasses the tasks of coordination and course management of training offers for colleagues in HQ and Delegations, under the direct supervision of the Head of Sector.

We look for

  • He/she will be entrusted with the following main tasks, along other course managers:
    • Course management of classroom and online trainings, including planning, communication, management of registrations, handling the learning management system, logistical arrangements, evaluation and archiving. These courses cover amongst others:
    • Training courses in the newly established EEAS Training Maps for Newly Appointed Managers,
    • Political Officers, Assistants to Heads of Delegations and Budget, Finance and Contract Assistants. 
    • Communication of learning and development offers.
    • Specific skills and competence courses at HQ and Delegation.
    • Support to other activities such as mentoring and team-building.


    An enthusiastic and service-oriented team player who takes pleasure in contributing to learning and development of colleagues. Given the dynamic working environment and the diverse nature of activities organized in the division, we look for a versatile and flexible colleague who enjoys a variety of tasks and who values collaboration and mutual support.   

Legal basis


    The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). 1 The successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group III); renewable contract for a maximum duration of 6 years (with a valid CAST exam).

Eligibility criteria

  • Candidates for this contract agent III post should:
    • (i) have passed a valid EPSO CAST in a valid FG for this post
  • or

Selection criteria

  • Candidates should:
    • have knowledge and/or proven experience in the key areas related to course management of learning and development formats
    • display strong organisational skills
    • be familiar with new technologies and their usage in learning and development
    • have a basic knowledge of applicable financial rules and procedures
    • have an outgoing personality, good communication skills and a service-oriented attitude  
    • be a team-player
    • be flexible and stress resistant in the light of changing demands and have a problem solving attitude
  • Furthermore: 
    • experience of working in an EU Delegation;
    • experience of working in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
    • experience in working with or within other EU institutions.


    would be considered as strong assets.

Specific conditions of employment


    The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service. The successful candidate might be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not hold already a Personal Security Clearance to an appropriate level, in accordance with relevant security provisions.

Equal opportunities


    The External Action Service applies an equal opportunities policy.

Application and selection procedure2

    • Candidates shall draft their CV following the European CV form which can be found at the following internet address:http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae.
    • The selection panel will make a pre-selection on the basis of the qualifications and professional experience described in the CV and motivational letter, and will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates who best meet the selection criteria for the post.
    • The candidates who have been preselected will be invited for an interview by a selection panel.
    • The panel will recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Empowered to Conclude Contracts of Employment.
    • The Authority may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.
    • Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium Post available: 1/12/2020 1 Staff Regulations of Officials (SR) and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).

EEAS Vacancy Notice: Contract Agent FGIII - Communication and In

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 2, 2020

We are:The EEAS supports his tasks of conducting the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairing the Foreign Affairs Council.

Key Points: 

We are:

    • The EEAS supports his tasks of conducting the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairing the Foreign Affairs Council.
    • The EEAS works in close cooperation with Member States, the Council and relevant services of the European Commission.
    • The Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) is the permanent structure supporting the Civilian Operations Commander.
    • The Missions Operational Support Division (CPCC.4) is responsible for CIS, IT applications as well as logistics and procurement at Headquarters level.
    • Furthermore, CPCC.4 assists the civilian Missions in defining and managing their budgets with the relevant stakeholders (EU Member States and Foreign Policy Instruments).
    • CPCC.4 is the contact point of the CPCC for the RELEX Working Group of the Council.

We propose


    The position of Communication and Information Systems Assistant in the Missions Operational Support Divison (CPCC.4) – contract agent FGIII as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS).

We look for

  • The person to be recruited will work under the supervision of the Head of the Missions Operational Support Division within the CPCC.4. We are seeking a highly motivated colleague who is expected to perform the following tasks:
    • To support in the planning and implementation of technical aspect of CIS projects for central services for CSDP Missions in cooperation and coordination with other members of the team.
    • To configure and implement Mission Support Platform IT infrastructure in cooperation with other IT colleagues.
    • To implement all technical aspects of Mission Support Platform IT projects.
    • To perform tasks in coordination with consultants, external experts, and outsourced services in support of the development and maintenance of the Mission Support Platform IT Infrastructure.
    • To assist in the planning, support, repairs and installation of Mission Support Platform IT equipment in several locations including for desktop, laptop, printers and servers.
    • To advise the Head of Division and the Team Leader in IT and InfoSec on matters related to the information systems used within CSDP missions and the central IT infrastructure in Brussels.
    • To produce precise reports for the hierarchy concerning CIS issues and recommend improvements for future developments.
    • To participate in fact-finding missions and technical assessment missions.
  • Other specific requirements:
    • Assist in the overall implementation of IT Projects.
    • First and second level end-user support in Office 365 and Windows 10 environment.
    • Technical administration of the existing Azure data center and the future SharePoint online infrastructure.
    • Maintenance of end-user hardware and software.
    • Ethernet infrastructure, routers and switches configuration, cabling and maintenance.
    • Technical experience in designing and implementing IT centralized services based on public and private cloud solutions and virtualisation techniques, including installation and maintenance of server environments.
    • To undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Head of Division.

Legal basis


    The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). 1 The successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group III); renewable contract for a maximum duration of 6 years (with a valid CAST exam).

Eligibility criteria

  • Candidates for this contract agent III post should:
    • (i) have passed a valid EPSO CAST in a valid FG for this post
  • or
    • (ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST in a valid FG for this post https://epso.europa.eu/apply/job-offers_en?keyword=&contract=37&grade=Al...
    • have a level of post-secondary education attested by a diploma or a level of secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary education and appropriate professional experience of three year;
    • have the capacity to work in languages of CFSP and external relations necessary for the performance of their duties. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an asset.
    • Be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.

Selection criteria

    Specific conditions of employment


      The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service. The successful candidate might be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not hold already a Personal Security Clearance to an appropriate level, in accordance with relevant security provisions.

    Equal opportunities


      The External Action Service applies an equal opportunities policy.

    Application and selection procedure 2

      • Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number) via email to [email protected] Deadline for sending applications: 25/09/2020 at 18.00 (CET).
      • Candidates shall draft their CV following the European CV form which can be found at the following internet address: https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv.
      • The selection panel will make a pre-selection on the basis of the qualifications and professional experience described in the CV and motivational letter, and will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates who best meet the selection criteria for the post.
      • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the outcome of the pre-selection phase.
      • The candidates who have been preselected will be invited for an interview by a selection panel.
      • The panel will recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Empowered to Conclude Contracts of Employment.
      • The Authority may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.

    Fisheries Bill 2019-21 [HL]

    Retrieved on: 
    Friday, August 28, 2020

    The Fisheries Bill 2019-21 [HL]provides a framework for fisheries management after the Brexittransition period ends and the UKis no longer part of the Commons Fisheries Policy (CFP).

    Key Points: 
    • The Fisheries Bill 2019-21 [HL]provides a framework for fisheries management after the Brexittransition period ends and the UKis no longer part of the Commons Fisheries Policy (CFP).
    • The current Fisheries Bill, as it was presented in the Lords, was similar in content and aim to the previous Fisheries Bill 2017-19.
    • Clause by clause analysis of the Bill as introduced is available in the Fisheries Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages, published on 11 February 2020 in advance of Second Reading in the House of Lords.
    • The Commons Briefing Paper Fisheries Bill 2017-19 provides background on that Bill, its main provisions, and a summary of all stages up to Committee in the House of Commons.

    Europe’s Eastern Partnership countries make significant progress in expanding protected nature sites

    Retrieved on: 
    Thursday, August 27, 2020

    The EEAs briefing 'Protected areas in the Eastern Partnership countries'found that between 2000 and 2019 coverage of nationally protected areas were expanded in all six partnership countries which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

    Key Points: 
    • The EEAs briefing 'Protected areas in the Eastern Partnership countries'found that between 2000 and 2019 coverage of nationally protected areas were expanded in all six partnership countries which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
    • Thanks to the European Commissions financial and Council of Europes technical support, 561 so-called Emerald Network sites (under the Bern Convention) have been created covering just over 12 % of the Eastern Partnership countries territories.
    • The EEA also provided expertise on sufficiency assessments of species and habitats in the countries proposed for inclusion in the Emerald Network.
    • While Eastern Partnership countries have made substantial progress in overall performance over the duration of the project, more efforts are needed to improve data reporting obligations under international agreements related to biodiversity.

    Media advisory - Press briefings ahead of the informal meetings of EU defence ministers of 26 August, and foreign affairs ministers (Gymnich) of 27-28 August 2020

    Retrieved on: 
    Tuesday, August 25, 2020

    The press briefings ahead of the informal meetings of EU defence ministers of 26 August, and foreign affairs ministers (Gymnich) of 27-28 August 2020 will be virtual and take place on Tuesday, 25 August 2020 at

    Key Points: 
    • The press briefings ahead of the informal meetings of EU defence ministers of 26 August, and foreign affairs ministers (Gymnich) of 27-28 August 2020 will be virtual and take place on Tuesday, 25 August 2020 at

      - 14.00: informal defence

      - 14.45: Gymnich

      These briefings are "off the record" and will be given by EEAS senior officials.

    • In order to ask questions remotely, EU accredited journalists can register using this link.
    • Deadline: Tuesday, 25 August 2020, 13.00

      Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants approximately half an hour after the deadline.

    • For more information, visit the website of the German Presidency:

      Informal Meeting of EU Defence Ministers of 26 August 2020

      Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) of 27-28 August 2020

    Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

    Retrieved on: 
    Tuesday, August 25, 2020

    The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 23 June 2021.

    Key Points: 
    • The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 23 June 2021.
    • The Candidate Countries Montenegro and Albania [2], the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Georgia align themselves with this Council Decision.
    • They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision.
    • [1] Published on 19.06.2020 in the Official Journal of the European Union L 196 p.12.

    Iran: Joint Commission of the JCPOA to meet in Vienna on 1 Septe

    Retrieved on: 
    Saturday, August 22, 2020

    A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will take place in Vienna on 1 September.

    Key Points: 

    A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will take place in Vienna on 1 September.

    The Joint Commission will be chaired on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell by EEAS Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid and will be attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.

    International affairs and defence: Parliamentary debates and statements in the 2019-21 session

    Retrieved on: 
    Wednesday, August 19, 2020

    This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.

    Key Points: 
    • This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
    • The paper is divided into two main sections: geographic regions covering areas such as the Middle East and China; and themes including areas such as defence and human rights.
    • Debates and statements related to Brexit and the UKs future relationship with the EU are not covered in this paper but have been included in earlier briefings: Brexit statements (CBP-8467, 17 February 2020); Brexit debates 2019 (CBP-8489, 23 January 2020); Brexit debates 2018 (CBP-8246, 7 January 2019); and Brexit debates: June 2016 December 2017 (CBP-8131, 19 December 2017).
    • In addition to this paper a relatedExcel speadsheet, uploaded as a supporting document below, can be used to sort and filter the data further, in order to focus on specific areas of interest, such as statements, debates, chamber or subject area.

    Video conference of Foreign Affairs Ministers: Main outcomes

    Retrieved on: 
    Saturday, August 15, 2020

    The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, convened on Friday 14 August a video conference meeting with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 27 EU Member States.

    Key Points: 
    • The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, convened on Friday 14 August a video conference meeting with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 27 EU Member States.
    • The aim of the discussions was to address the pressing situations in theEastern Mediterraneanand inBelarusafter the August 9 Presidential Elections.
    • The High Representative will remain in constant contact with the Ministers on these and other issues in the coming weeks, ahead of the informal Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich), which will take place on 27-28 August in Berlin.
    • Eastern Mediterranean The Ministers discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, following a grave deterioration of the security situation in recent days.
    • They recalled EU common positions and the previous Council Conclusionsof22 March 2018andJune,July,October,December2019, in addition to theStatement on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean of 15 May 2020.
    • De-escalation: Ministers stressed in particular that recent naval mobilisations by Turkey do not contribute to finding any solutions.
    • At the same time, the High Representative/Vice-President is to prepare options on further appropriate measures in case tensions do not abate.
    • Belarus The EU Foreign Ministers addressed the Belarusian Presidential elections that took place on 9 August.
    • High Representative/Vice-President Borrelloutlined his contacts over recent weekswith the Maduro government and main opposition groups in this regard.
    • Ministers discussed the EUs willingness to assist all genuine Venezuelan efforts to find a political solution.

    UK-EU future relationship negotiations update: is an agreement possible?

    Retrieved on: 
    Wednesday, August 5, 2020

    This paper provides an update on the UK-EU future relationship negotiations following intensified negotiations in June and July 2020. It explores the prospects for an agreement in time for the end of the post-Brexit transition period on 31 DecemberDownload the full reportNegotiating timeline The deadline for extending the post-Brexit transition period in the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) passed at the end of June.

    Key Points: 


    This paper provides an update on the UK-EU future relationship negotiations following intensified negotiations in June and July 2020. It explores the prospects for an agreement in time for the end of the post-Brexit transition period on 31 December

    Download the full report

      Negotiating timeline

        • The deadline for extending the post-Brexit transition period in the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) passed at the end of June.
        • Negotiations began in early March, and four full rounds of negotiations had taken place by early June.
        • The UK and EU agreed to intensify negotiations in June, with weekly face-to- face talks taking place in late June and July.
        • A draft EU ratification timeline indicates that the EU would like an agreed legal text ready by the beginning of October, as there will need to be time for legal and linguistic revisions.
        • The European Parliament would need to give consent to the agreement, with a vote on this expected in December.

      The negotiations

        • The initial UK and EU negotiating positions are outlined in Commons Library briefing paper 8834, The UK-EU future relationship negotiations: process and issues.
        • Developments in the first three rounds of negotiations are summarised in Commons Library briefing paper 8923 The UK-EU future relationship: the March 2020 EU draft treatyand negotiations update.
        • In May, the UK Government published ten draft treaty texts for the separate agreements it envisages with the EU.
        • Following the fourth round of negotiations in early June, the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier said that there had been no substantial progress.
        • This was the high level June meeting envisaged by the PD to take stock of progress in the negotiations with the aim of moving them forward.
        • He said his negotiating mandate had been set by the EU Member States, but that he had room for manoeuvre in the negotiations and was ready to use this to seek out compromise.
        • The European Parliament adopted a recommendation on the UK-EU negotiations on 18 June, expressing support for the approach taken by Mr Barnier in the talks.
        • He said the EU was ready to find solutions, but that the UK had not shown a corresponding level of engagement.

      Is an agreement possible?

        • Following the fifth round at the end of July, it was reported that the UK and EU had started work on a text-based negotiation.
        • He said that the UK had scaled back some of its aspirations in the trade talks and was now seeking what amounted to a low-quality, low-profile agreement.
        • This would still provide for tariff-free and quota-free trade access to the EU market.
        • Having reached agreement on the future EU budget and recovery programme on 21 July, Member State governments would also be able to give greater attention to reaching an agreement.
        • However, the EU has complained that the UK has not revealed what its future state aid/subsidies scheme will look like.
        • This had been made possible by the EUs willingness to explore options for keeping the CJEU out of arrangements.
        • But this also meant that the depth of future co-operation would be restricted, with the UK losing access to EU law enforcement databases.