The agency’s recruitment processes have been repeatedly criticized in recent years, most recently in a bashing from the European Ombudsman on remote testing as part of the selection procedure. The Ombudsman identified “shortcomings in the information provided by EPSO to applicants and candidates, as well as how it dealt with complaints and the rescheduling of tests.” These shortcomings come after criticism of EPSO’s decision to shift recruitment to online exams.
For the unions (Alliance, Generation 2004 and USF), the European Ombudsman’s investigations have “confirmed in every aspect the validity of our critical analyses and the extent of the failings reported.” They argue that EPSO’s problems tarnish not merely the integrity of the selection processes, but also the reputation of the EU institutions, and also jeopardize the functioning of the services.
A Commission spokesperson said the executive is working “very closely” with other EU institutions to “find fast and sustainable solutions to the current problems EPSO is facing, so that competitions can restart as soon as possible, with improved candidate experience.”
Jacopo Barigazzi contributed reporting.
