Maak kennis met EU-medewerkers
Hieronder vindt u getuigenissen van personeelsleden van de EU-instellingen in verband met diversiteit en inclusie. Zo krijgt u een idee van hun persoonlijke en professionele ervaringen.
Alice, learning, development, well-being and DEI assistant, Co-President of Diversité Europe
“I’m Alice and I work for the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament as a learning, development, well-being and DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) assistant.
I am also the co-President of “Diversité Europe”, the Inter-institutional staff association whose one of the main objectives is to raise awareness of ethnic and racial diversity and promote the inclusion of all staff in all categories and at all career levels within EU institutions and bodies.
What makes EU institutions extraordinary is people with ordinary dreams working there. I genuinely only wanted to grow old in a Europe where equity, equality and inclusion are also a reality for people like me, and not anymore a promise only. I would really encourage people from diverse backgrounds to join the EU institutions to ensure that we leave to the next generation a European heritage we can all be proud of.”
Stephane, responsible for defining and delivering services to researchers
"I am Stéphane, I work at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. I am responsible of the unit in charge of defining and delivering services to researchers everywhere in Europe, to help them turn the results of their research work into new products, services, and knowledge useful to our local, regional, or national public authorities.
I was born in Marseilles with French, German and Senegalese origins (at least as far as I know!). I’ve always felt very attracted by the European project, and I’ve always had the chance in my professional career, before joining the Commission, to stay safe from racism and discrimination. So, I did expect neither more nor less than being treated as any other European citizen in this institution, which is the feeling I’ve got throughout this fantastic professional experience”.
Maurizio, persvoorlichter
"I am Maurizio, I am the Head of the European Parliament's Liaison Office in Milan. I am blind and I have been working for the EU institutions since 2015, when I started my European career as press officer.
My everyday work consists in dealing with different audiences of Italian citizens – media, youth, students, stakeholders, businesses – in order to raise awareness on European Parliament functioning and activity.
I never had problems because I was disabled. I don’t feel any obstacles. If you have a positive attitude, even if people are ignorant or sceptical, if you’re keen on sharing your experience, you can break walls."
LGBTIQ staff member
"I am Diogo and I work as a programme manager at European Social Fund Plus(ESF).
I was 21 years old when I had my first office job. Then, still at the private sector, I was not out at work and for a few months I made a point of it. With time, I gained more confidence in myself and since then I am proudly out to my colleagues. Why? Because it is not possible or admissible for me to live a double life. I started working for the European Commission in 2020 and my attitude was no different: I am open about myself and my family since the first day, and always felt welcomed. My work in the LGBTQI+ staff association Égalité made me realize that my experience is not true to everyone, and many colleagues still don’t feel comfortable in being their whole selves at work. Since I started I’ve seen direct policies to combat queerphobia and to make LGBTQI colleagues feel safe. There’s still work to be done, but I am happy to work for an European institution where the internal efforts match the external public policies put forward. And because I want all new comers to feel as safe as I did here, I will continue to push for more LGBTQI awareness and inclusivity.”
Aleks, financieel medewerker
“I am Aleks (she/her), and I work as a Financial Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). My main responsibilities are in the areas of EU Green Bond financing and Asset Management Coordination. I’m also a member of the Commission’s Task Force on Equality.
Colleagues in my unit, including the Head of Unit, who were the first to be aware of my gender identity, were very supportive and understanding of my transition. Eventually, when the whole directorate became aware of my identity, I can confidently say that I have not had a single bad experience but rather found support and ‘kind curiosity’. I also prepared some materials on transgender issues with senior management, an initiative that was very well accepted by all. Transgender people can find a safe working environment in DG BUDG. Challenges remain, of course, especially when it comes to recognition and digital administrative systems, but positive changes are coming and I am happy to see and be part of various internal task forces and groups working on how to further improve current systems.
There’s a long path ahead but we are on the right course. I believe transgender people will be warmly welcomed in any team in the Commission.”
Fabio, eenheidshoofd
"I am Fabio and I am the head of unit at the European Parliament's Directorate of Human Resources. I have been working for the European institutions since 2001.
I have an amputated leg. We must not be afraid, we must give ourselves the means to face a new situation. Do not go in the dark, come here and think that everything will be fine and that the Parliament will take care of everything. No institution in the world will be able to take care of everything. Preparing for a new environment is especially applicable for people with disabilities. Someone with a disability already knows that they have to approach things differently... prepare themselves differently too."
Ville, juridisch medewerker
"I am Ville, I work as a legal officer at the European Commission in Brussels since 2013.
I have been blind since my birth.
If you have a disability, try to think about this from the employer's point of view. Show your motivation. Be prepared for questions on this subject and think in advance about reasonable solutions to any special needs this might cause in the specific job context. Remain patient. Take each application and interview as a learning opportunity even if you were not chosen. Concentrate on competencies rather than the special needs themselves."
Frederic, verantwoordelijk voor de toegankelijkheid van personen met een functiebeperking bij het OIB
"I am Frédéric and I 've been working for the EU institutions since 1998. I used to be in charge of accessibility for people with reduced mobility at the OIB (the European Commission's office for infrastructure and logistics) for many years.
I am currently working at the Diversity and Inclusion Office at the DG Human Resources and Security (EU Commission) as a policy officer specialising in disability and mainstreaming accessibility initiatives across learning and development, outreach and communication.
The handicap is an advantage here! I present it in a joyful way. I do not give the impression of dragging all the misery of the world behind me. And because I have a dog, it helps, it is the mascot."
Krystle, communicatiemedewerker
"I am Krystle and I work as a communications assistant at the European Commission in Brussels, I have reduced mobility and I have been working for the European institution since 2002.
I highly recommend applying! No physical handicap is an obstacle, competitions are based on knowledge, not a marathon. Everyone is accepted, nationality, color, gender, physical disability, ... nothing is an obstacle. All EU nationalities from all horizons are represented, the difference is positive. Maltese PRM or Estonian visually impaired, it has no importance. Multicultural means working with others, without making any distinctions. The Institutions have set up services that welcome all types of people, equal opportunities are a real right."