European Commission reviews

Entry (even through the so-called "ardeous" concours) is mainly based on politics (ie filling up informal nationality quota or handing out jobs to friends, nephews and political allies). Promotion is based on all of the above as well. Things take tiiiiiiiime and every-one is slooooooow. People are eternally wary of one another and covering one's arse is a full-time obsession. People are used to complaining, but firmly remain in the gilded cage. Further, I found there was a very condescending attitude towards local residents who are generally looked upon as a breed of primitive serfs. In the end I was glad the private sector would have me back.

Of course, a big administration like the Commission needs to show a transparent image in the everyday's life. It creates a huge overhead in every respects of the normal day to day operations, each buying contract requires a slow and long procedure, sometimes for very small expenses, though some huge expenses programs will be poorly managed, or some strategic decision will be taken by political decision, without actual market consultation or sometimes without apparent reasons. The internal controls are much more severe concerning the day to day actions than when political decisions are concerned : it is more difficult to spend 10.000 € than 10.000.000€ : a big amount will have the support of a political decision, the small amounts are to be taken from a budget under pressure. About the carreer development, it is clear that the merit is not a major indication for the carreer evolution, even if they say so : no real rewarding mechanism is set up, neither a real punishment mechanism. It is up to each one to make things happen : whith a bit of cleverness and flexibility, you can have an interesting job, changing of department if you are not satisfied where you are, but it is clear that you will not be able to change completely all your environment : the framework is what it is, just try to derive the best for you and your aspirations. The working conditions are also suffering of the weight of administration's controls and standards, some buildings are very poorly equipped, the fear to be accused of giving extra advantages to the officials makes some services worst than elsewhere (cafeterias, lunches ...) but it is not so definitively bad.