Ik ben grondrechtendeskundige en historicus van opleiding. Ik werk sinds 2015 bij de Europese Commissie: eerst als plaatsvervangend coördinator voor de bestrijding van antisemitisme en nu als beheerder van financieringsprogramma’s inzake de waarden van de EU, de grondrechten en Europees historisch bewustzijn.

Ik startte mijn carrière in DG Onderwijs en cultuur, waar ik voor de adjunct-directeur-generaal werkte. Tijdens mijn zes jaar bij de Europese Commissie heb ik bij verschillende afdelingen gewerkt, zoals de eenheid Jeugdbeleid in DG EAC en de eenheid Asielbeleid in DG HOME.

Mijn taken zijn zeer divers. Zo regel ik bijvoorbeeld de EU-financiering voor maatschappelijke organisaties en ministeries, zet nieuwe financieringsmechanismen op voor maatregelen ter bestrijding van racisme, discriminatie en antisemitisme, of zorg voor afstemming tussen onze beleidsprioriteiten inzake gelijkheid en de steun die we aan belanghebbenden kunnen verlenen.

Tijdens mijn studies Joodse geschiedenis aan de Ludwig-Maximilians-universiteit in München heb ik een academisch jaar als doctoraalassistent aan de Hebreeuwse Universiteit van Jeruzalem doorgebracht. Daarnaast heb ik een master in Europese studies behaald aan het Europacollege in Warschau (Natolin). Ik ben actief in de grootste pro-Europese jongerenbeweging, de jonge Europese Federalisten. Vroeger was ik er voorzitter van de commissie Buitenlandse zaken. Ik heb deelgenomen aan de conferentie “Young Leaders” van de “American Council on Germany” en lever een bijdrage aan hun werkgroep diversiteit, rechtvaardigheid en inclusie.

“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!”

In 2019 kreeg ik een baan bij de Europese Commissie als beleidsmedewerker bij DG EMPL (Werkgelegenheid, Sociale Zaken en Inclusie). Ik werk in een geografische eenheid, wat betekent dat ik een bepaald land volg en monitor, Zweden in mijn geval. Andere collega’s in mijn eenheid volgen bijvoorbeeld de ontwikkelingen in Italië en Denemarken.

Mijn baan is zeer divers en uitdagend: ik combineer beleidswerkzaamheden (met name op het gebied van werkgelegenheid en sociale kwesties in het kader van het Europees Semester) met het programmabeheer van het Europees Sociaal Fonds in Zweden.

De belangrijkste werktaal in mijn DG is Engels, maar aangezien ik mij specifiek focus op Zweden, werk ik ook in het Zweeds. Mijn andere collega’s werken ook in de talen van de landen die zij monitoren, dus mijn eenheid is vrij meertalig!

Ik heb een master in de rechten behaald aan de universiteit van Stockholm. Vóór de Europese Commissie werkte ik voor een ngo in Brussel die zich bezighield met belangenbehartiging en campagnewerk.

“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.”