Seconded national experts, or SNEs, are civil servants or public-sector employees seconded to the EU institutions.
Most SNEs come from:
- EU countries
- European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries
- public intergovernmental organisations (IGOs).
Secondments support the exchange of knowledge and cooperation between the EU and national administrations.
What seconded national experts do?
SNEs work alongside EU staff and are fully integrated into the teams they join. They:
- bring professional and technical expertise to EU policy work
- support projects and initiatives in their area of expertise
- share national practices, knowledge and experience with EU colleagues
How secondments work?
Secondments are temporary placements governed by specific EU rules and agreements with national authorities.
In general:
- secondments usually last between 2 and 4 years and may be extended in exceptional cases, up to a maximum total duration of 6 years
- SNEs remain employed and paid by their national administration
- the EU institution may provide additional allowances, depending on the situation
Levels and responsibilities?
SNE roles are based on the nature of the work and level of expertise, rather than on grades or function groups.
Seconded national experts usually:
- work at an expert or senior professional level
- carry out tasks similar to those of administrators
- work with a significant degree of autonomy, under the supervision of EU staff
The exact responsibilities are always set out in the call for secondment.
How seconded national experts are recruited?
SNE positions are usually published as calls for secondment by EU institutions through permanent representations and diplomatic missions.
Applications are made either:
- through national administrations
- by following the procedure described in the call for secondment
Selection is based on professional experience, expertise and suitability for the role.