Flexible working arrangements and a culture based on trust help colleagues organise their professional and personal responsibilities effectively. For me, this flexibility is particularly valuable because it allows me to remain fully committed to my work while also being present for my family and personal life.
Can you tell us about your role at the CoR and what a typical day looks like?
As an HR Assistant in the Directorate of Human Resources and Finance, I support senior management and colleagues by coordinating calendars, meetings, missions, correspondence and document workflows. A typical day combines careful planning with unexpected priorities, from preparing meetings and following up on decisions to supporting onboarding, leave coordination and internal communication. I also contribute to staff engagement initiatives, including the AST Network, Coffee Talks and the Staff Ambassadors community. What I enjoy most is connecting people, finding practical solutions and helping activities run smoothly behind the scenes.
What inspired you to join the European Committee of the Regions?
Joining the European Committee of the Regions in 2019 as Assistant to the Deputy Director was the fulfilment of a dream. As a Romanian citizen, I wanted to contribute to a European institution that brings people, cultures, and communities together. Working at the CoR makes me proud, as it allows me to be part of something meaningful and to help turn European values into concrete actions with a positive impact.
What do you value most about working at the Committee of the Regions?
What I value most at the Committee of the Regions is the strong sense of community and collaboration. Every day offers an opportunity to learn from colleagues with diverse backgrounds, share experiences, and contribute to an institution that gives a voice to regions, cities and citizens across Europe.
Looking back on your journey at the CoR, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your experience?
When I look back at the day I joined the CoR in 2019, I realise how much I have grown, both professionally and personally. The opportunity to take on new responsibilities, work with dedicated colleagues from across Europe and continuously learn has enriched me tremendously. Beyond the work itself, it is the people, the exchanges and the shared commitment to European values that make me proud to be part of the CoR.
What do you appreciate most about the working culture at the CoR?
What I value most is the culture of openness, mutual respect and support. The CoR brings together colleagues from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds, creating many opportunities to exchange knowledge and learn from each other. This collaborative environment encourages people to contribute ideas, support one another and feel part of a genuine community.
How does the CoR support work-life balance?
Flexible working arrangements and a culture based on trust help colleagues organise their professional and personal responsibilities effectively. For me, this flexibility is particularly valuable because it allows me to remain fully committed to my work while also being present for my family and personal life.
What is it like to live and work in Brussels as an international professional?
Living and working in Brussels means being surrounded every day by different languages, cultures and perspectives. I find this diversity both professionally inspiring and personally enriching. Brussels is also a welcoming place for families, offering many opportunities to build friendships and discover Europe. Adapting to a new country takes time, but gradually the city begins to feel like home and creates a genuine sense of belonging, something I can also see in my child.
What advice would you give to a newcomer joining the CoR?
Come with curiosity, an open mind and a genuine willingness to work with others. A career at the CoR offers meaningful work, continuous learning and the chance to see how European cooperation makes a real difference for regions, cities and citizens. Be proactive, ask questions and stay open to every opportunity. Above all, value the people around you, because it is often through these human connections that we learn, grow and truly feel part of the institution.