De werving van Europese ambtenaren in nieuwe lidstaten verloopt succesvol (en)

The first candidates from the accession countries for posts in the EU civil service have now been sent the results of their pre-selection tests, which show a generally impressive standard. In all some 17,000 applicants participated in the tests. The pre-selection papers have now been marked and nearly 6,000 candidates have been provisionally declared successful. These candidates will now be invited to submit a full application, supported by documentary evidence of their qualifications. Provided that they meet the eligibility requirements, the papers they have already completed for the second stage of the competition, the written test, will be marked.

Tests for Assistant Administrators, Assistant Translators and Secretaries were organised in 16 test centres in the accession countries and in one centre in Brussels in November and December 2003. On the whole candidates performed well in the pre-selection tests and the results for the European Public Administration and Law options in the tests for Assistant Administrators were very satisfactory. In certain countries, such as the Baltic States and Malta, levels of applications and attendance were lower. Similarly, some fields such as audit and, to a lesser extent, economics also attracted fewer participants. In such cases EPSO expects shortfalls against the original targets for laureates. This will be taken into account in the planning for future competitions.

In order to be successful at the tests, candidates needed to achieve a pre-determined pass mark and to be among the highest scorers. The notices of competition detailed the numbers that would be invited to the second stage. These numbers varied from competition to competition, based on the target number of laureates. Candidates were therefore in competition only with other candidates for the same competition. No direct comparison can be made between the pass rates for different competitions, since these are dependent on the number of applicants, the level of attendance and the target number of laureates, as well as the performance of the candidates.

Attendance levels for the Assistant Administrators and Secretaries competitions were generally rather lower than would normally be expected, at less than 50% on average. As part of EPSO's ongoing quality controls, a survey has been launched to pinpoint the reasons for absenteeism.

Early indications suggest that many candidates simply had other commitments at the time of the tests. EPSO will continue to analyse the results of the survey and to monitor absentee levels at EPSO competitions in order to ensure that all possible steps are taken to maximise attendance.

Candidates completed their written papers on the same day as the pre-selection tests. Arrangements are now in hand to mark the written papers of those candidates who were successful in the pre-selection tests. Successful candidates will then be called to oral tests in Brussels.

Detailed statistics for the competitions are attached.

Contact persons in EPSO:

Mr Guy Van Biesen, tel.: +32 (0)2 29 50822

Mrs Wendy Barnes, tel.: +32 (0)2 29 63861

Mr Ioannis Vlantis, tel.: +32 (0)2 29 61565

Web: http://europa.eu.int/epso/index_en.htm

COMPETITION STATISTICS

Figures provided for statistical purposes. Could be subject to minor amendment.

PRE-SELECTION TESTS

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATORS BY DOMAINE EPSO/A/1-10/03

RESULTS OF PRE-SELECTION BY COUNTRY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATORS AND SECRETARIES

Figures provided for statistical purposes. Could be subject to minor amendment.

Figures provided for statistical purposes. Could be subject to minor amendment.

ASSISTANT TRANSLATORS BY LANGUAGE