“My name is Agnieszka Ruminska, I am Polish and I have been working for the Council since 2010. I was attracted to join this Institution because of the role it plays at the EU level - the Council is an essential EU decision-maker. Discovering the mechanics of the Member States’ negotiations and working every 6 months with different bosses (rotating Presidencies) has been for me an amazing experience! I started in the unit dealing with the EU General Budget and the Financial Regulation. The EU budget is like a lens where all the EU actions and programs come together - in numbers. And when it comes to the taxpayers’ money – the negotiations can be very tough! Not only among the 27 Member States as the second arm of the Budgetary Authority, the European Parliament, must agree on the numbers too. After a lengthy discussion that can last until late at night – you learn the art of compromising.

After 7 years I moved to completely different field of work: banking and financial services, which opened for me a door to a world of finance. The legislative activity at that time focused mainly on handling the legacy of the financial crisis and making sure our banks remain safe.

Currently I still work in finance – but relatively far from the political activity - I am responsible for the preparation and oversight of the implementation of the Council and the European Council budget. Although political negotiations are not part of my job anymore, I still feel responsible for making sure that the conditions for an agreement are there, and that discussions among Member States are taking place in an optimal and pleasant working environment.”