Je suis un spécialiste des droits fondamentaux et historien de formation. Je travaille à la Commission européenne depuis 2015, auparavant comme coordinateur adjoint de la lutte contre l’antisémitisme et aujourd’hui comme gestionnaire des programmes de financement liés aux valeurs de l’UE, aux droits fondamentaux et à la mémoire européenne.

J’ai commencé ma carrière à la direction générale de l’éducation et de la culture, auprès du directeur général adjoint. Depuis mon arrivée à la Commission il y a 6 ans, j’ai travaillé dans différents services, tels que l’unité «Politique de la jeunesse» de la DG EAC et l’unité «Politique en matière d’asile» de la DG HOME.

Mon travail est très varié: il peut consister à présenter les financements de l’UE à des organisations de la société civile et des ministères, à élaborer de nouveaux mécanismes de financement pour soutenir la lutte contre le racisme, la discrimination et l’antisémitisme ou encore à garantir une harmonisation étroite entre nos priorités politiques en matière d’égalité et le soutien que nous pouvons apporter aux parties prenantes.

Au cours de mes études sur l’histoire juive à l’université Ludwig-Maximilians de Munich, j’ai passé une année universitaire en tant que chargé de recherche à l’université hébraïque de Jérusalem. Je suis également titulaire d’un master en études européennes du Collège d’Europe de Varsovie (Natolin). Je suis actif au sein du plus grand mouvement de jeunesse pro-européen, les Jeunes européens fédéralistes, dont j’ai présidé la commission des affaires étrangères. Je suis un ancien membre de la conférence des jeunes dirigeants de l’«American Council on Germany» et je contribue encore à son groupe de travail sur la diversité, l’équité et l’inclusion.

“Starting as a linguist and transitioning to an outreach officer, I use my humanities skills to shape communication at the Council of the EU. Critical thinking, creativity and a passion for languages turn complex policy into meaningful impact. Whether selecting words carefully or planning high-level events, each day is purposeful.”

“Working on EU trade policy towards China is a unique opportunity to engage with some of today’s most important economic and geopolitical issues. 

I appreciate the possibility to contribute to this complex and significant relationship, and to work with talented and motivated colleagues across the Commission and many of our delegations around the world on a daily basis.”

“I work to make the EU’s global engagement tangible — turning values into programmes that deliver opportunity and resilience. 

My daily motivation comes from promoting EU policies and values worldwide. With focus on peace and security, my role involves aligning engagements with real needs and Europe's interests, especially in fragile contexts. Contributing to this mission is highly rewarding.”

“I wasn’t exactly destined for a career in the European institutions, but the General Secretariat of the Council trusted me, invested in me, and let me grow into it — and I’m deeply grateful for that. 

Today I help drive cultural change in my organisation through participatory leadership, and it has shown me how powerful people can be when they’re trusted to think and create together. It’s meaningful work that still surprises me, in the best possible way.”

“My name is Vanessa (she/her), and I am President of Égalité, an association representing LGBTIQ+ staff of all EU institutions. In this role, I have seen how essential visibility, solidarity and community are for colleagues and allies throughout our workplaces in Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg, and EU delegations. 

Everybody should be free to be themselves which is why a genuine Union of Equality must go beyond principles alone. Human rights can never be negotiable, and diversity and inclusion must be reflected not only in our policies and values, but also in the everyday reality of our working environments.

Encouragingly, awareness and inclusion across the institutions continue to grow. I am proud of the commitment shown by colleagues, allies and networks who work every day to make our workplaces more open, respectful and inclusive. Their efforts matter because visibility sends a clear message: the European Union stands firmly for equality and human rights for all.

While important progress has been made, challenges remain. This includes the recognition of social names for trans and non-binary colleagues, as well as the need to address situations of discrimination wherever they occur. Continuing to move forward together with openness, dialogue and determination, therefore remains essential.

Find out more information about Égalité and our work

"My name is Michaela and I am the European Commission Anti-racism Coordinator. Working for the European Commission has deepened my commitment to public service. Every day, I have the opportunity to contribute to policies that strive to reflect European values of human rights, equality and freedom with the aim of uplifting all Europeans, whether addressing inequalities in education, advocating for inclusive digital transformation, or amplifying marginalised voices in policymaking. True public service demands more than good intentions, it requires confronting systemic gaps. As a Black European woman, I’ve felt both the honour and the weight of representing communities often underrepresented in EU spaces. I’ve found strength in turning these gaps into opportunities for change. Initiatives like the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan remind me that progress is possible when institutions prioritise equity as fiercely as they preach it. 
Europe’s strength lies in its diversity, and diverse voices are vital to shaping a Union where everyone belongs."

“I am Gino from Leuven, Belgium, and I am delighted to introduce myself on this page. Currently, I work in the unit at INTPA responsible for Gender Equality, Human Rights and Democratic Governance as a programme assistant. Born with a disability, spasticity, my life has been a journey of challenging myself and, to a certain degree, my surroundings to achieve my dreams.
As a child, many believed I would never attend university. However, today I can proudly reflect on my accomplishments: a university degree from Leuven, an internship as a Blue Book trainee in the Commission, a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, and passing the AST competition in 2004.

I have always expected the EU institutions to treat me as I am—a curious and enthusiastic EU citizen who sometimes needs encouragement and support to succeed. This expectation has been met throughout my life and career. I have greatly appreciated the Commission's accommodations for my specific needs, such as allowing me to exercise and occasionally work from home.

In return, I bring my energy and passion to this thoroughly stimulating work environment. My next challenge is to become an AD official!
I encourage everybody, to believe that it is possible to pursue your passion, even if the road is different and sometimes cumbersome, is it worth it!”

J’ai rejoint les services de la Commission européenne en 2019, en tant que chargée de mission à la DG EMPL (Emploi, affaires sociales et inclusion). Je travaille dans une unité géographique, ce qui signifie que je m’occupe d’un pays spécifique, la Suède en l’occurrence. D’autres collègues de mon unité suivent la situation de l’Italie et du Danemark.

Mon travail est très diversifié et stimulant: c’est à la fois un travail politique (axé sur les questions sociales et d’emploi dans le cadre du Semestre européen) et de gestion des programmes du Fonds social européen en Suède.

Au sein de ma DG, la principale langue de travail est l’anglais, mais comme je m’occupe de la Suède, j’utilise également le suédois. Mes collègues travaillent eux aussi dans les langues des pays dont ils assurent le suivi; mon unité est assez multilingue!

Je suis titulaire d’un master en droit de l’université de Stockholm. Avant de rejoindre la Commission européenne, j’ai travaillé pour une ONG chargée de campagnes de sensibilisation et de représentation d'intérêts à Bruxelles.

“My name is Joséphine, and I work in the Secretariat-General of the European Commission, focusing on combating racism and discrimination. As a young racialised woman, joining the EU institutions has been both a personal and professional journey towards inclusion and representation. I started as a Blue Book trainee back in 2023, unsure of how my identity as a racialised LGBTIQ person would fit into the institutions. What I found was a diverse and dynamic environment where different perspectives are valued, and where I could actively contribute to shaping policies that promote equality.

Today, I have the privilege of working on crucial issues to ensure that the voices of marginalised communities are heard at the highest levels. The EU’s commitment to promote a Union of Equality is not just a principle, it’s something I experience every day through the support of my colleagues and the real impact of our work. As a young professional, I feel empowered to grow, and help build a more inclusive Europe. If you’re looking for a career where you can be yourself and drive meaningful change, this is the place to be.”