Notice of Open Competition - Administrators (PDF)

Official Journal EN of the European Union...

Official Journal EN of the European Union C series C/2025/203 17.1.2025 NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION EPSO/AD/422/25 – Administrators (AD 6) in the following fields: 1. Direct taxation, including tax law 2. Indirect taxation, including tax law (C/2025/203) Deadline for application: 19 February 2025 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time CONTENTS Page 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS............................................................................................. 2 2. WHAT DUTIES CAN I EXPECT TO PERFORM?...................................................................... 2 3. AM I ELIGIBLE?...................................................................................................... 2 3.1. General conditions............................................................................................ 2 3.2. Specific conditions – languages............................................................................... 2 3.3. Specific conditions – education and experience............................................................... 2 3.3.1. Field 1 – direct taxation, including tax law.................................................................... 2 3.3.2. Field 2 – indirect taxation, including tax law.................................................................. 4 4. HOW WILL THE COMPETITION BE ORGANISED?................................................................. 5 4.1. Overview of the competition phases.......................................................................... 5 4.2. Languages used in this competition........................................................................... 5 4.3. Competition phases........................................................................................... 6 4.3.1. Application................................................................................................... 6 4.3.2. Testing........................................................................................................ 6 4.3.3. Test scoring and eligibility check.............................................................................. 7 4.3.4. Establishment of the reserve lists.............................................................................. 8 5. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS.............................................. 9 ANNEX I — General rules..................................................................................................10 ANNEX II — Typical duties................................................................................................17 ANNEX III — Examples of minimum qualifications.......................................................................18 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 1/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (a) The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising an open competition, based on qualifications and tests, to draw up lists from which the institutions, bodies, and agencies of the European Union (EU) may recruit new members of the civil service as ‘administrators’ (grade AD 6). (b) This notice of competition and its annexes, including Annex I ‘General rules’, form the legally binding framework for this competition. (c) EPSO endeavours to use gender-neutral and inclusive language. Any reference to a person of a specific gender must be deemed also to constitute a reference to a person of any other gender. (d) This notice of competition covers two fields. A candidate may only apply for one of them. (e) The number of successful candidates sought per field is indicated in Table 1. Table 1 Field 1 Direct taxation, including tax law 118 Field 2 Indirect taxation, including tax law 122 2. WHAT DUTIES CAN I EXPECT TO PERFORM? Please see Annex II for information about the typical duties that the successful candidates can expect to perform. 3. AM I ELIGIBLE? Candidates must meet all the general and specific eligibility conditions (see Sections 3.1 to 3.3) on the closing date for applications. 3.1. General conditions A candidate must: (1) be a national of one of the Member States of the EU and enjoy full rights as a citizen; (2) have fulfilled any obligations imposed on them by the laws concerning military service; and (3) meet the character requirements for the duties concerned. 3.2. Specific conditions – languages A candidate must have knowledge of at least two of the 24 official EU languages, as provided for in Section 4.2. 3.3. Specific conditions – education and experience Please see Annex III for examples of minimum qualifications. 3.3.1. Field 1 – direct taxation, including tax law (a) To be eligible for field 1, a candidate must meet the requirements listed in one of the following points: (i) Have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least three years, attested by a diploma in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.1(b), followed by a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. The education requirement referred to in this point will also be considered satisfied in cases where the candidate has obtained a university degree in another area, but has subsequently completed a course of university studies of a duration of at least one academic year and obtained a diploma in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.1(b), provided that the studies in question are considered equivalent to university studies of at least three years (i.e. conversion course). 2/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN (ii) Have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least four years, attested by a diploma in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.1(b), followed by a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. The education requirement referred to in this point will also be considered satisfied in cases where the candidate has an advanced degree (master’s, PhD, or equivalent (1)) in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.1(b), irrespective of the area of previous studies completed by the candidate. (iii) Have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least three years, attested by a diploma in an area other than those listed in point 3.3.1(b), followed by a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience. (b) The diploma referred to in points 3.3.1(a)(i) and (ii) will be taken into account if it is acquired in one or more of the following areas: (i) National or international taxation; (ii) Law; (iii) Economics; (iv) Finance; (v) Business management or administration; (vi) Accounting. (c) The professional experience referred to in points 3.3.1(a)(i) to (iii) will be considered relevant if it satisfies both criteria – A and B: A. The professional experience must be acquired, either in the public, private, or corporate sector, in one or more of the following areas: (i) Direct taxation (corporate income taxation, personal income taxation, etc.); (ii) International direct taxation; (iii) Transfer pricing; (iv) Administrative cooperation in direct taxation, including reporting and exchange of information; (v) Application and enforcement of direct tax rules for a competent tax authority or the judiciary; (vi) Application of State aid rules in the direct taxation area. B. The professional experience must be related to one or more of the following activities: (i) Developing direct tax policy and tax legislation; (ii) Implementing, enforcing, monitoring and evaluating existing direct tax policies and tax legislation; (iii) Coordination, negotiation, representation, and liaising with other stakeholders; (iv) Carrying out political/policy, legal, or scientific analyses and providing advice. This includes liaising with experts/committees, corporate stakeholders, and translating scientific and technical analysis into relevant policy, legal, and/or operational measures; (v) Monitoring/assessing direct tax policy (and/or tax measures) from a State aid perspective; (vi) Academic research or teaching; (vii) Direct tax audit; (viii) Tax litigation. (1) Recognised as such by a competent authority of a Member State. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 3/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 3.3.2. Field 2 – indirect taxation, including tax law (a) To be eligible for field 2, a candidate must meet the requirements listed in one of the following points: (i) Have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least three years, attested by a diploma in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.2(b), followed by a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. The education requirement referred to in this point will also be considered satisfied in cases where the candidate has obtained a university degree in another area, but has subsequently completed a course of university studies of a duration of at least one academic year and obtained a diploma in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.2(b), provided that the studies in question are considered equivalent to university studies of at least three years (i.e. conversion course). (ii) Have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least four years, attested by a diploma in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.2(b), followed by a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. The education requirement referred to in this point will also be considered satisfied in cases where the candidate has an advanced degree (master’s, PhD, or equivalent (2)) in one of the areas listed in point 3.3.2(b), irrespective of the area of previous studies completed by the candidate. (iii) Have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least three years, attested by a diploma in an area other than those listed in point 3.3.2(b), followed by a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience. (b) The diploma referred to in points 3.3.2(a)(i) and (ii) will be taken into account if it is acquired in one or more of the following areas: (i) National or international taxation; (ii) Law; (iii) Economics; (iv) Finance; (v) Business management or administration; (vi) Accounting. (c) The professional experience referred to in points 3.3.2(a)(i) to (iii) will be considered relevant if it satisfies both criteria – A and B: A. The professional experience must be acquired, either in the public, private, or corporate sector, in one or more of the following areas: (i) Value added tax; (ii) Administrative cooperation in the fields of indirect taxation and tax enforcement; (iii) General arrangements for excise duties; (iv) Health taxes (such as on alcohol and tobacco); (v) Energy and environmental taxation; (vi) Car taxation; (vii) Other indirect taxes; (viii) Application of State aid rules in the indirect taxation area. B. The professional experience must be related to one or more of the following activities: (i) Developing tax policy and tax legislation; (ii) Implementing, enforcing, monitoring, and evaluating existing tax policies and tax legislation, at national or international/EU level; (iii) Negotiation and representation at an international level; (2) Recognised as such by a competent authority of a Member State. 4/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN (iv) Carrying out political/policy, legal, or scientific analyses and providing advice. This includes liaising with experts/committees, and translating scientific and technical analysis into relevant policy, legal, and/or operational measures; (v) Monitoring/assessing indirect tax policy (and/or tax measures) from a State aid perspective; (vi) Academic research or teaching; (vii) Accounting; (viii) Auditing of financial statements and/or accounts; (ix) Indirect tax audit; (x) Tax litigation. 4. HOW WILL THE COMPETITION BE ORGANISED? 4.1. Overview of the competition phases This competition will be organised in the following phases: — application (see Section 4.3.1), — testing: reasoning tests, a multiple-choice question test related to the field of the competition chosen by the candidate (‘field-related MCQ test’), and a written test (see Section 4.3.2), — test scoring and eligibility check (see Section 4.3.3), — establishment of the reserve lists (see Section 4.3.4). 4.2. Languages used in this competition (a) The Staff Regulations (3) stipulate that an official may only be appointed on condition that they produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the EU and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the EU to the extent necessary for the performance of their duties. (b) Therefore, in this competition, a candidate must have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of at least one of the 24 official EU languages and a satisfactory knowledge (minimum B2 level) of a different language to be chosen among the remaining 23 official EU languages. The minimum levels indicated here apply to each linguistic ability (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) requested in the application form. These abilities reflect those of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (4). (c) For ease of reference, those languages will be referred to as ‘language 1’ and ‘language 2’. (d) The languages will be used in different phases of the competition as indicated in Table 2. Table 2 Competition phase Tests Language Application — Any of the 24 official EU languages Reasoning tests Language 1 Testing Field-related MCQ test Language 2 Written test Language 2 (e) Candidates will have to indicate their choice of test languages in their application form. (3) Regulation No 31 (EEC), 11 (EAEC), laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ 45, 14.6.1962, p. 1385/62). Consolidated text: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01962R0031-20240101. (4) https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/documents/common-european-framework-reference-languages. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 5/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 4.3. Competition phases 4.3.1. Application (a) To apply, a candidate needs to have a candidate account. (b) The candidates must apply online on the EPSO website (5) and submit their applications by 19 February 2025 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time. (c) By submitting their application form, candidates declare that they meet all the conditions mentioned under Section 3 ‘Am I eligible?’. It is the candidates’ responsibility to ensure that they complete and submit their application within the deadline. Once the application deadline has passed, candidates will no longer be able to make any changes to their application. (d) By 16 April 2025 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time, candidates will have to provide the scanned copies of the documents supporting the declarations made in their application form. An explanation on how to do this is available on the dedicated competition page on the EPSO website. 4.3.2. Testing (a) General remarks (i) All candidates who have submitted their application form by the deadline indicated in point 4.3.1(b) will be invited to sit a series of tests defined below. (ii) The tests will be held and proctored (invigilated) remotely. EPSO will inform candidates about the testing modalities at the latest when inviting them to the tests. (b) Reasoning tests (i) The reasoning tests are multiple-choice tests assessing the candidates’ verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning skills. They will be organised as indicated in Table 3. Table 3 No of Tests Language Duration Scoring Pass scores questions Verbal reasoning test 20 questions 35 minutes 0 to 20 10/20 Numerical reasoning test 10 questions 20 minutes 0 to 10 Combined pass Language 1 score for numerical and Abstract reasoning test 10 questions 10 minutes 0 to 10 abstract reasoning tests: 10/20 (ii) A candidate needs to obtain at least: — a pass score of 10/20 in the verbal reasoning test, and — a combined pass score of 10/20 in the numerical and abstract reasoning tests. (c) Field-related MCQ test (i) The field-related MCQ test will be specific to the field chosen by the candidate. It will be organised as indicated in Table 4. (5) https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/job-opportunities/open-for-application. 6/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN Table 4 Test Language No of questions Duration Scoring Pass score Field-related MCQ test Language 2 30 questions 40 minutes 0 to 30 15/30 (ii) A candidate needs to: — obtain at least a pass score of 15/30, and — be amongst the candidates who score the highest (see Section 4.3.3). (d) Wr itten test (i) The written test is aimed at assessing a candidate’s written communication skills. It will be organised as indicated in Table 5. Table 5 Test Language Duration Scoring Pass score Written test Language 2 40 minutes 0 to 10 5/10 (ii) Candidates will be required to respond to the test assignment(s) based on the documentation related to the fields of the competition. The documentation will be made available on the EPSO website ahead of the test date. Candidates will receive the same documentation during the test, along with the assignment(s) based on it. (iii) The written test is not a language test. The assessment will be based on the specific anchors published on EPSO’s website (6). 4.3.3. Test scoring and eligibility check (a) General remarks (i) The test scores will be used as indicated in Table 6. Table 6 Test How will the test scores be used? Verbal, numerical, and The tests will be scored to determine if the candidate obtained at least the required abstract reasoning tests pass scores. The scores of candidates who obtained at least the required pass score will be used Field-related MCQ test to create a ranking according to candidates’ performance. The test will be scored to determine if the candidate obtained at least the required Written test pass score. (ii) Should a candidate fail to obtain at least the required pass score(s) in one of the tests, their participation in the competition will come to an end. Such candidates will not have their test answers and/or scripts processed any further and will not have their eligibility checked. (6) https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/help/what-written-test. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 7/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 (iii) Test results will only be notified to candidates at the end of the competition (see point 4.3.4(d)), irrespective of the step of the competition the candidate reached. (b) Scor ing of the reasoning tests and of the field-related MCQ test (i) The reasoning tests will be scored first. Candidates who obtained at least the required pass scores in the reasoning tests will then have the field-related MCQ test scored. (ii) Subsequently, candidates who obtained at least the required pass score in the field-related MCQ test will be ranked, within each field, in the descending order of their scores. This ranking will be used to determine the candidates who will have their written test scored and their eligibility checked (see point 4.3.3(c)). (c) Scor ing of the wr itten test and eligibility check (i) Scoring of the written test and eligibility check (the latter conducted in accordance with point (ii) below) will be carried out in parallel. This will be performed for each field, in the descending order of the ranking referred to in point 4.3.3(b)(ii). The Selection Board will only score the scripts of the written test and check the eligibility of a limited number of candidates (not more than 1,5 times the number of successful candidates sought per field). (ii) The eligibility check involves verifying compliance with the eligibility conditions set out in Section 3 ‘Am I eligible?’. The Selection Board will take the decision on a candidate’s eligibility by comparing (a) the declarations made in the application form; and (b) the documents duly provided by the candidates in accordance with Section 2.4, points (1)-(3), of the General rules to support those declarations. (iii) Should a candidate not be amongst those who scored the highest as defined in point (i) above, their participation in the competition will come to an end. Such candidates will not have their written test scripts processed and will not have their eligibility checked. 4.3.4. Establishment of the reserve lists (a) After the procedures referred to in point 4.3.3(c) have been completed, the Selection Board will include in the relevant reserve lists the names of the candidates who (i) have obtained at least all the required pass scores and one of the highest scores in the field-related MCQ test from amongst the candidates referred to in point 4.3.3(c)(i); and (ii) were found to be eligible. This will be performed in the descending order of the ranking referred to in point 4.3.3(b)(ii) until the number of successful candidates sought per field is reached or until the pool of candidates meeting the criteria mentioned in this point is depleted. (b) All candidates who tie for the last available place in a reserve list will be added to that reserve list. (c) Names in the reserve lists will be listed alphabetically. The reserve lists will be made available to the recruiting services. (d) The candidates will be notified of their results (test results and eligibility-check results) unless their test answers and/or scripts have not been processed and/or eligibility has not been checked for the reasons indicated in this notice. (e) Inclusion on a reserve list does not confer any right to or guarantee of recruitment. 8/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN 5. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS (a) EPSO endeavours to apply an equal opportunities policy to all candidates. (b) Candidates who have a disability or a medical condition that may affect their ability to take the tests, should indicate this in their application form and follow the procedure to request reasonable accommodations as described on the EPSO website (7). Having examined the candidates’ request as well as the relevant supporting documents, EPSO may grant reasonable accommodations where deemed necessary. (7) https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/how-request-specific-adjustments-selection-tests. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 9/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 ANNEX I General rules 1. Basic provisions (1) The provisions of these general rules apply unless the notice of competition states otherwise. (2) Candidates receive time-sensitive information in their candidate accounts. They should check their candidate account at least every 3 calendar days to keep track of their progress during the competition and to avoid missing a deadline. If a candidate cannot check their candidate account due to a technical problem on the part of EPSO, they must notify EPSO immediately via the online contact form (1). (3) Where several candidates tie for the last available place at any phase of the competition, they will all go on to the next phase of the competition. Where several candidates tie for the last available place on a reserve list, they will all be included on that reserve list. (4) Any candidates readmitted following a successful request, complaint, or appeal will either (a) re-enter the competition at the phase from which they had been excluded or (b) be added to the reserve list, as applicable. (5) When EPSO addresses a candidate via the candidate account or by email, it will do so in one of the languages that the candidate has declared to have knowledge of at level B2 or higher (2) in the ‘Reading’ field of the ‘Languages’ section in the application form (see also Section 2.1 of these general rules). (6) Candidates can contact EPSO via the online contact form available on the EPSO website (3). Before contacting EPSO, candidates are invited to consult the ‘frequently asked questions’ section on the EPSO website (4). (7) EPSO reserves the right to cease any improper (i.e. repetitive, abusive and/or irrelevant) correspondence. 2. Education (5), experience (6), supporting documents 2.1. ‘My CV’ section of the candidate account Before applying for a competition, candidates must complete ‘My CV’ section of their candidate account. When applying for a specific competition, a candidate does not need to re-enter the information from ‘My CV’ into the application form. A snapshot of data from ‘My CV’ section will be automatically attached to their application form at the moment the candidate submits their application. It is the candidates’ responsibility to ensure that ‘My CV’ is up to date at that moment. 2.2. Education (1) Degrees, diplomas and/or certificates, whether issued in Member States or non-EU countries, must be recognised by a competent authority of a Member State. (2) The differences between national education systems, in particular the differences between the titles given to degrees, diplomas and certificates, will be taken into account when assessing whether candidates have the qualifications required by the notice of competition. 2.3. Professional experience (1) To be taken into account, professional experience must meet the following general conditions: (a) it must be acquired after obtaining the required minimum educational qualification indicated in the notice of competition; (1) https://epso.europa.eu/en/contact-us. (2) https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/documents/common-european-framework-reference-languages. (3) https://epso.europa.eu/en/contact-us. (4) https://epso.europa.eu/en/epso-faqs-by-category. (5) For the purposes of this competition, the expressions ‘education’ and ‘educational qualifications’ are used interchangeably. (6) For the purposes of this competition, the expressions ‘experience’, ‘professional experience’, and ‘work experience’ are used interchangeably. 10/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN (b) it must constitute genuine and effective work; (c) it has to be remunerated; (d) it must involve a professional relationship, i.e. being part of an organisational structure or supplying a service; (e) it must comply with the relevance criteria defined in the notice of competition. If only a part of the tasks carried out during a given period of professional experience can be considered relevant, the following rules will apply: (i) if more than 75 % of tasks are relevant, the whole period of professional experience will be considered relevant; (ii) if more than 50 % but less than or equal to 75 % of tasks are relevant, the given period of professional experience will be counted at the rate of 75 %; (iii) if 25-50 % of tasks are relevant, the given period of professional experience will be counted at the rate of 50 %; (iv) if less than 25 % of tasks are relevant, the given period of professional experience will not be taken into account. (2) Professional experience, as listed below, will also be considered in the light of specific rules, including certain exemptions from the requirements referred to in paragraph (1) above: (a) in the case of voluntary work, ‘remuneration’ is to be understood as any financial contribution received, including cost reimbursement and insurance coverage. Furthermore, voluntary work must involve weekly hours and have a duration similar to a regular job; (b) in the case of traineeships, ‘remuneration’ is to be understood as any financial contribution received, including cost reimbursement and insurance coverage. A compulsory traineeship which is part of a studies programme, may be taken into account provided that (i) the traineeship is undertaken after achieving the minimum educational qualification indicated in the notice of competition, and (ii) the traineeship is remunerated; (c) a compulsory traineeship which is part of a programme leading to, or which is a precondition for, registration with a professional association in order to obtain a right to practise a profession (for example, admission to the lawyers’ bar association) may be taken into account irrespective of whether the work was remunerated. However, where the work was not remunerated, the traineeship period may only be considered provided that the programme was successfully completed and the right to practise obtained. In all cases, only the minimum compulsory duration will be taken into account; (d) compulsory military service that occurred before or after obtaining the required minimum educational qualification indicated in the notice of competition will be taken into account, even where it does not meet the relevance criteria defined in the notice of competition, but only for a period not exceeding the obligatory duration in the relevant Member State; (e) maternity, paternity, adoption, or parental leave may be taken into account if covered by an employment contract; (f) in the case of doctorate studies, the period taken into account shall not exceed 3 years, provided that the doctorate was obtained, and irrespective of whether the work was remunerated; (g) the period taken into account in cases of part-time work shall be calculated pro rata, e.g. half-time work for 6 months will count as 3 months. 2.4. Supporting documents (1) Candidates will have to upload – to their candidate account – copies of the documents supporting the declarations made in their application form (see also Section 2.1 of these general rules). They will have to do so by the date established in the notice of competition or – if no date is set by the notice – by the date indicated by EPSO. (2) Failure to provide supporting document(s) by the date mentioned above may result in a candidate being considered ineligible or in their specific educational qualifications or experience not being taken into account. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 11/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 (3) At any phase of the procedure, candidates may be requested to provide additional information or documents. (4) Among other documents, candidates will have to upload a copy of their identity card or passport which must be valid on the closing date for the applications. When requested, candidates will have to present an original of their identity card or a passport. (5) As a proof of their educational qualifications, candidates will have to provide at least: (a) a copy of their diploma(s) and/or certificate(s) attesting to educational qualifications giving access to the competition (see section ‘Am I eligible’ in the notice of competition); (b) in cases of diplomas/certificates issued in a non-EU country, a statement of equivalency issued by a competent authority of a Member State. (6) All periods of professional activity must be covered by originals or certified copies of the following documents: (a) documents from former and/or current employer(s): employment contract(s) indicating the start and end dates of employment and/or first and last pay slips. These documents should indicate the nature, level, as well as a detailed description of duties performed, and they should bear an official header and stamp of the employer, and the name and signature of the person in charge; (b) for non-salaried work, e.g. self-employed/liberal professions: invoices or order forms detailing the work performed or any other relevant official supporting documents specifying the nature and period of the duties performed or services rendered; (c) for freelance translators: documents attesting the time periods worked and the number of pages translated; (d) for freelance interpreters: documents attesting the number of days worked, and the languages interpreted from and into. 3. The role of the Selection Board (1) The Selection Board of the competition decides on the difficulty of the competition tests and approves their content, assesses the candidates’ compliance with the specific eligibility conditions, compares candidates’ merits, and selects the best candidates in the light of the requirements set out in the notice of competition. (2) The proceedings of the Selection Board are secret. (3) The work of the Selection Board is facilitated by EPSO. 4. Conflict of interest (1) The names of the Board members are published on the EPSO website (7). (2) Candidates, Selection Board members, and EPSO staff members facilitating the organisation of a specific competition are required to declare any conflict of interest that might arise, in particular, in cases of a family or direct working relationship. A situation that might constitute a conflict of interest must be declared to EPSO as soon as the person concerned becomes aware of it. EPSO will evaluate each case individually and take appropriate measures. (3) To ensure the Selection Board’s independence, except in expressly authorised cases, it is strictly forbidden for candidates or anyone outside the Board to attempt to contact any of its members on any matter related to the competition or the Board’s proceedings. (4) Candidates who wish to state their case to the Selection Board must do so in writing, submitting this correspondence via their candidate account. (5) A breach of any of the rules mentioned above could result in disciplinary action against a Selection Board member or EPSO staff member and/or in disqualification of a candidate from the competition (see Section 6). 5. Testing (1) EPSO will inform candidates on the testing modalities as well as any necessary details and instructions at the latest when inviting the candidates to the tests. (7) https://epso.europa.eu/en. 12/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN (2) If and when instructed, candidates must book a test appointment following the instructions received from EPSO. The booking and testing periods are limited. (3) Candidates must complete all the necessary steps referred to in the instructions issued prior to the tests, such as installing software, performing the required synchronisation(s), undergoing a connectivity trial, technical prerequisites’ test, or a systems’ check and/or taking a mock test. Compliance with instructions will allow to check the readiness of the candidate’s IT environment and the compatibility of the candidate’s device with the testing platform or application. Failure to complete the mandatory steps may prevent the candidate from taking the tests and will impede the ability of the test delivery provider to address effectively any technical issues encountered by the candidate during testing. (4) In cases where candidates fail to book, sit or complete one or more of the tests, it will be considered that their participation in the competition has come to an end, unless the candidates can prove that the failure to book, sit or complete a test was due to circumstances beyond the candidates’ control or due to a situation of force majeure. They should contact EPSO as soon as possible, preferably before the test, and must provide the necessary justification, including, where applicable, proof that they contacted the technical support services. (5) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions applicable in relation to testing, specified in the instructions and information made available to candidates, will not be considered as a circumstance beyond the candidates’ control or a situation of force majeure. (6) Candidates are also invited to consult EPSO’s website (8) to become more familiar with EPSO’s selection procedures, including general requirements applicable to testing. 6. Disqualification from the competition (1) Candidates may be disqualified at any stage of the competition on the following grounds: (a) creating more than one candidate account; (b) applying through several channels when this is prohibited by the notice of competition; (c) making false declarations or declarations unsupported by the appropriate documents; (d) cheating during the tests, recording online tests or attempting to manipulate the fair conduct of tests, or compromising the integrity of the competition process in any other way; (e) contacting or attempting to contact a member of the Selection Board in an unauthorised manner; (f) failing to inform EPSO of a potential conflict of interest with a Selection Board member or with an EPSO staff member; (g) signing or making a distinctive mark on written or practical tests despite being instructed otherwise. (2) Candidates for recruitment by the EU institutions are expected to act with the highest possible integrity, in accordance with Article 27, first paragraph, and Article 28(c) of the Staff Regulations. In case of fraud or attempted fraud, EPSO may decide to declare a candidate ineligible for future competitions for a limited period of time. 7. Concerns and remedies 7.1. Technical and organisational issues (1) If at any phase of the selection procedure candidates encounter a serious technical or organisational problem, they should inform EPSO via their candidate account. (2) For issues with the candidate account or the application form, candidates must contact EPSO immediately and in any case before the deadline for applications. (8) https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 13/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 (3) If the problem occurs during testing, a candidate must do both of the following: (a) report the issue immediately strictly following instructions outlined in the letter(s) inviting candidates to test(s), and (b) within 3 calendar days, counting from (and including) the day following the day on which a candidate took the test, contact EPSO via their candidate account, giving a detailed description of the problem. The candidate should also attach the proof of attempt(s) to resolve the issue (for example, help-desk or technical support ticket number, chat transcripts, troubleshooting report, etc.). This documentary proof is necessary to enable EPSO to make inquiries into the situation. The invitation letters to tests may specify further requirements and instructions related to reporting of issues encountered during testing. The obligation to inform EPSO applies in all cases, even where the test delivery provider followed up on the candidate’s complaint. (4) Complaints received after the deadline specified in this point will be considered inadmissible. (5) Complaints about technical issues, submitted by candidates who failed to undertake the steps referred to in Section 5(3) will be considered inadmissible unless the candidate can prove that the failure to complete the necessary steps was due to circumstances beyond the candidates’ control or due to a situation of force majeure. (6) Claims made in the context of complaints referred to in Sections 7.2.2 and 7.3.1 and based on alleged technical and/or organisational issues that had not been reported in accordance with Section 7.1 read together with Section 5, will be considered inadmissible. 7.2. Internal review procedures 7.2.1. Complaints about MCQ test questions (1) Candidates who consider that they have justifiable reasons to believe that an error in one or more of the questions in the multiple-choice-question (MCQ) test affected their ability to answer, may ask for the question(s) concerned to be reviewed. (2) The Selection Board may decide to ‘neutralise’ the question(s) containing the error: cancel the question(s) concerned and redistribute the points initially allocated to that/those question(s) among the remaining questions of the test. Only those candidates who received the question(s) concerned will be affected by the recalculation. The scoring of the tests remains as indicated in the relevant sections of the notice of competition. (3) To introduce a complaint about MCQ test question(s), a candidate should: (a) contact EPSO via their candidate account within 3 calendar days counting from (and including) the day following the day on which a candidate took the test; (b) describe the question(s) concerned as accurately as possible; and (c) explain the nature of the alleged error(s). (4) Complaints submitted after the deadline or complaints which do not clearly describe the contested question(s) and/or alleged error(s) will not be taken into account. In particular, complaints merely pointing out alleged issues of translation, without specifying the problem, will not be taken into account. (5) Claims made in the context of complaints referred to in Section 7.3.1 and based on alleged issues in MCQ test questions that had not been reported in accordance with Section 7.2.1, will be rejected. 7.2.2. Requests for review (1) Candidates can request a review of a decision taken by the Selection Board, which establishes their results, determines whether they can proceed to the next phase of the competition, or affects their legal status as a candidate in another way. (2) The purpose of the review procedure is to allow the Selection Board to amend the contested decision in cases where there is a reason to do so (such as a mistake in the assessment). In the review procedure, the Selection Board will review its assessment of the candidate’s merits and will either confirm its initial conclusions or provide a revised assessment. (3) The Selection Board will not reply to any legal arguments, whether related to the contested assessment or not. Any arguments of a legal nature and claims related to the legal framework of the competition may be put forward in the form of an administrative complaint (see Section 7.3.1). 14/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN (4) The simple fact that candidates may disagree with the evaluation by the Selection Board of their performance in a test or of their educational qualifications and/or experience, does not mean that the Selection Board made an error of assessment. The Selection Board enjoys a wide margin of discretion in making value judgements about candidates’ performance, educational qualifications, and experience. (5) No request for review is possible in relation to MCQ test results. (6) To introduce a request for review, a candidate must: (a) contact EPSO via their candidate account within 5 calendar days counting from (and including) the day following the publication of the contested decision in the candidate account; (b) indicate clearly the decision which the candidate wishes to contest and the grounds for contesting it. (7) Candidates will receive an automatic acknowledgment that their request has been received. The Selection Board will examine the request for review and will inform the candidate of its decision as soon as possible. (8) Requests for review received after the deadline indicated in point (6)(a) above will be considered inadmissible and will not be examined, except where the candidates can prove a situation of force majeure. 7.3. Other forms of review 7.3.1. Administrative complaints under Ar ticle 90(2) of the Staff Regulations (1) Candidates may lodge an administrative complaint against a measure (a decision or an absence of it) if: (a) they consider that the rules governing the competition procedures have been infringed; and (b) the contested measure adversely affects the candidate concerned, i.e. directly and immediately affects their legal status as a candidate (i.e. establishes their results, determines whether they can proceed to the next phase of the competition, or affects their legal status as a candidate in another way). (2) The complaint can be made against the absence of a decision in those cases where there is an obligation to take a decision within a deadline specified in the Staff Regulations. (3) Candidates who have submitted a request for review (see Section 7.2.2) must wait until they are notified of the reply to that request before they decide whether to introduce an administrative complaint. In such cases, the deadline for introducing an administrative complaint starts running from the date of notification of the decision of the Selection Board on the request for review. (4) Administrative complaints are examined by the Director of EPSO acting as the appointing authority under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations. (5) The purpose of the administrative complaints’ procedure is to verify if the legal framework of the competition has been respected. The candidates should note that the Director of EPSO cannot overturn a value judgement made by a Selection Board and has no legal powers to change the substance of a Selection Board’s decision. If the Director of EPSO finds a procedural mistake or a manifest error of assessment, the case will be referred back to the Selection Board for reassessment. (6) To introduce an administrative complaint, a candidate should: (a) contact EPSO via their candidate account within the deadline set in Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations, i.e. 3 months counting from (i) the date of notification of the contested decision or (ii) the date on which such a decision should have been taken; and (b) indicate the decision or the absence of a decision, which the candidate wishes to contest and the grounds for contesting it. (7) Administrative complaints received after the deadline set in Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations will be considered inadmissible. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 15/25 EN OJ C, 17.1.2025 7.3.2. Judicial appeals (1) Candidates have a right to submit a judicial appeal to the General Court, under Article 270 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 91 of the Staff Regulations. (2) Judicial appeals against decisions taken by EPSO (rather than by the Selection Board) will not be admissible before the General Court unless a candidate has duly availed themselves of the remedy of an administrative complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations (see Section 7.3.1 above). (3) All the information on judicial appeals can be found on the website of the General Court (9). 7.3.3. Complaints to the European Ombudsman (1) All EU citizens and residents can make a complaint to the European Ombudsman about instances of maladministration. (2) Before submitting a complaint to the Ombudsman, candidates must first have exhausted the internal remedies provided by EPSO (see Sections 7.1 and 7.2 above). (3) Complaints made to the Ombudsman have no suspensive effect on the deadlines laid down for lodging requests, complaints, or judicial appeals referred to in these rules. (4) All the information on complaints to the Ombudsman can be found on the dedicated website (10). End of ANNEX I, click here to return to main text (9) https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/. (10) https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/home. 16/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 EN ANNEX II Typical duties Field 1 – Direct taxation, including tax law 1. Developing policy and legislation in the field of direct taxation; and/or 2. Implementing, monitoring, and evaluating existing policies and legislation in the field of direct taxation, including enforcement of EU direct taxation rules; and/or 3. Assessing tax legislation in EU Member States and third country jurisdictions from the perspective of tax good governance and conformity with EU and international law; and/or 4. Examining inquiries, complaints, parliamentary questions, and petitions in the field of direct taxation; and/or 5. Preparing legal opinions, observations, and procedural documents for court and arbitration proceedings, including proceedings at the Court of Justice of the European Union; and/or 6. Preparing and managing infringement procedures in the field of direct taxation; and/or 7. Enforcing State aid rules in the field of direct taxation; and/or 8. Facilitating the exchange of information and administrative cooperation by preparing legislative proposals, coordinating the work of Member States’ tax administrations, providing guidance and ensuring the sharing of best practices. Overseeing the development and ensuring the policy coherence of IT tools for the implementation of the legal provisions in close cooperation with other European Commission departments and Member States; and/or 9. Coordinating, negotiating, and ensuring representation, including at international level, in the field of direct taxation; and/or 10. Carrying out political/policy, legal, or scientific analyses and providing advice in the field of direct taxation. This includes liaising with experts and/or committees and translating scientific and technical analysis into relevant policy, legal, and/or operational measures; and/or 11. Managing budgetary and/or financial aspects and managing projects in the field of direct taxation. Field 2 – Indirect taxation, including tax law 1. Developing policy and legislation in the field of indirect taxation; and/or 2. Implementing, applying, monitoring and evaluating existing policies and legislation in the field of indirect taxation, including enforcement of EU indirect taxation rules; and/or 3. Examining inquiries, complaints, parliamentary questions, and petitions in the field of indirect taxation; and/or 4. Preparing legal opinions and observations for and managing infringement procedures in the field of indirect taxation; and/or 5. Enforcing State aid rules in the field of indirect taxation; and/or 6. Planning, carrying out, and following-up on inspections of the VAT-based own resource in Member States, and performing other tasks linked to the inspection activity; and/or 7. Coordinating, negotiating, and ensuring representation, including at international level, in the field of indirect taxation; and/or 8. Carrying out political/policy, legal, or scientific analyses and providing advice in the field of indirect taxation. This includes liaising with experts and/or committees, and translating scientific and technical analysis into relevant policy, legal, and/or operational measures; and/or 9. Managing budgetary and/or financial and/or accounting aspects and managing projects in the field of indirect taxation. End of ANNEX II, click here to return to main text ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj 17/25  ANNEX III 18/25 EN Examples of minimum qualifications (Examples of minimum qualifications per Member State and the United Kingdom and per grade corresponding, in principle, to those required by the notices of competition) Please click here for an easy-to-read version of these examples AST-SC 1 to AST-SC 6 AST 3 to AST 11 AD 5 to AD 16 AST 1 to AST 7 COUNTRY Secondary education (giving access to Post-secondary education (non-university University-level education (lasting at least University-level education (4 years or more) post-secondary education) higher education course or short university 3 years) course lasting at least 2 years) Belgique — België Certificat de l’enseignement Candidature/Kandidaat Bachelor académique (180 crédits) Licence/Licentiaat — Belgien secondaire supérieur Graduat/Gegradueerde Academisch gerichte Bachelor Master (CESS)/Diploma secundair onderwijs Bachelor/Professioneel gerichte Bachelor (180 ECTS) Diplôme d'études approfondies (DEA) Diplôme d'aptitude à accéder à Diplôme d'études spécialisées (DES) l'enseignement supérieur Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées (DAES)/Getuigschrift van hoger (DESS) secundair onderwijs Gediplomeerde in de Voortgezette Studies Diplôme d'enseignement (GVS) professionnel/Getuigschrift van het Gediplomeerde in de Gespecialiseerde beroepssecundair onderwijs Studies (GGS) Gediplomeerde in de Aanvullende Studies (GAS) Agrégation/Aggregaat Ingénieur industriel/Industrieel ingenieur Doctorat/Doctoraal diploma ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj България Диплома за завършено средно Специалист по … Диплома за висше образование образование Бакалавър Магистър Česko Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce Vysvědčení o absolutoriu (Absolutorium) Diplom o ukončení bakalářského Diplom o ukončení vysokoškolského studia OJ C, 17.1.2025 + diplomovaný specialista (DiS.) studia (Bakalář) Magistr Doktor ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 AST-SC 1 to AST-SC 6 AST 3 to AST 11 AD 5 to AD 16 AST 1 to AST 7 COUNTRY Secondary education (giving access to Post-secondary education (non-university University-level education (lasting at least University-level education (4 years or more) post-secondary education) higher education course or short university 3 years) course lasting at least 2 years) Danmark Bevis for: Videregående uddannelser Bachelorgrad (BA eller BS) Kandidatgrad/Candidatus Studentereksamen = Bevis for = Eksamensbevis som Professionsbachelorgrad Master/Magistergrad (mag.art) Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) (erhvervsakademiuddannelse AK) Diplomingeniør Licenciatgrad Højere Handelseksamen (HHX) ph.d.-grad Højere Afgangseksamen (HA) Bac pro: Bevis for Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX) Deutschland Abitur/Zeugnis der allgemeinen Fachhochschulabschluss Hochschulabschluss/ Hochschulreife Bachelor Fachhochschulabschluss/Master Fachabitur/Zeugnis der Magister Artium/Magistra Artium Fachhochschulreife Staatsexamen/Diplom Erstes Juristisches Staatsexamen Doktorgrad Eesti Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus + Tunnistus keskhariduse baasil Bakalaureusekraad (min Rakenduskõrghariduse diplom riigieksamitunnistus kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta 120 ainepunkti) Bakalaureusekraad (160 ainepunkti) Lõputunnistus kutsekeskhariduse Bakalaureusekraad Magistrikraad omandamise kohta (< 160 ainepunkti) Arstikraad Hambaarstikraad Loomaarstikraad Filosoofiadoktor Doktorikraad (120–160 ainepunkti) Éire/Ireland Ardteistiméireacht, Grád D3, Teastas Náisiúnta/National Certificate Céim onóracha bhaitsiléara Céim onóracha bhaitsiléara I 5 ábhar/Leaving Certificate Gnáthchéim bhaitsiléara/Ordinary (3 bliana/180 ECTS) (BA, B.Sc, (4 bliana/240 ECTS)/Honours bachelor Grade D3 in 5 subjects bachelor degree B.Eng)/Honours bachelor degree degree (4 years/240 ECTS) Gairmchlár na hArdteistiméireachta Dioplóma náisiúnta (ND, Dip.)/National (3 years/180 ECTS) (BA, B.Sc, B.Eng) Céim ollscoile/University degree (GCAT)/Leaving Certificate diploma (ND, Dip.) Céim mháistir (60-120 ECTS)/Master’s Vocational Programme (LCVP) Ardteastas (120 ECTS)/Higher Certificate degree (60-120 ECTS) (120 ECTS) Dochtúireacht/Doctorate 19/25 EN 20/25 EN AST-SC 1 to AST-SC 6 AST 3 to AST 11 AD 5 to AD 16 AST 1 to AST 7 COUNTRY Secondary education (giving access to Post-secondary education (non-university University-level education (lasting at least University-level education (4 years or more) post-secondary education) higher education course or short university 3 years) course lasting at least 2 years) Ελλάδα Απολυτήριο Γενικού Λυκείου Δίπλωμα επαγγελματικής κατάρτισης (IΕΚ) Πτυχίο ΑΕI (πανεπιστημίου, πολυτεχνείου, ΤΕI) Απολυτήριο Κλασικού Λυκείου Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα Ειδίκευσης (2ος Απολυτήριο Τεχνικού Επαγγελματικού κύκλος) Λυκείου Διδακτορικό Δίπλωμα (3ος κύκλος) Απολυτήριο Ενιαίου Πολυκλαδικού Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Ενιαίου Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Τεχνολογικού Επαγγελματικού Εκπαιδευτηρίου España Bachillerato + Curso de Orientación FP grado superior (Técnico superior) Diplomado/Ingeniero técnico Licenciatura Universitaria (COU) Máster Bachillerato Ingeniero BUP Título de Doctor Diploma de Técnico especialista France Baccalauréat Diplôme d'études universitaires générales Licence Maîtrise Diplôme d'accès aux études (DEUG) Maîtrise des sciences et techniques (MST), universitaires (DAEU) Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS) maîtrise des sciences de gestion (MSG), Brevet de technicien Diplôme universitaire de technologie diplôme d'études supérieures techniques (DUT) (DEST), diplôme de recherche Diplôme d'études universitaires technologique (DRT), diplôme d'études scientifiques et techniques (DEUST) supérieures spécialisées (DESS), diplôme d'études approfondies (DEA), master 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj master 2 professionnel, master 2 recherche Diplôme des grandes écoles Diplôme d'ingénieur Doctorat OJ C, 17.1.2025 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj OJ C, 17.1.2025 AST-SC 1 to AST-SC 6 AST 3 to AST 11 AD 5 to AD 16 AST 1 to AST 7 COUNTRY Secondary education (giving access to Post-secondary education (non-university University-level education (lasting at least University-level education (4 years or more) post-secondary education) higher education course or short university 3 years) course lasting at least 2 years) Hrvatska Svjedodžba o državnoj maturi Stručni pristupnik/pristupnica Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea (sveučilišni Svjedodžba o završnom ispitu (sveučilišni prvostupnik/ prvostupnik/prvostupnica) prvostupnica) Stručni specijalist Magistar struke Magistar inženjer/magistrica inženjerka (mag. ing) Doktor struke Doktor umjetnosti Italia Diploma di maturità (vecchio Diploma universitario (DU) Diploma di laurea – L (breve) Diploma di laurea (DL) ordinamento) Certificato di specializzazione tecnica Laurea specialistica (LS) Perito ragioniere superiore Master di I livello Diploma di superamento dell’esame Attestato di competenza (4 semestri) Dottorato di ricerca (DR) di Stato conclusivo dei corsi di studio di istruzione secondaria superiore Κύπρος Απολυτήριο Δίπλωμα = Programmes offered by Πανεπιστημιακό Πτυχίο/Bachelor Public/Private Schools of Higher Master Education (for the latter accreditation is Doctorat compulsory) Higher Diploma Latvija Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību Diploms par pirmā līmeņa profesionālo Bakalaura diploms Bakalaura diploms (160 kredītpunktu) Diploms par profesionālo vidējo augstāko izglītību (min. 120 kredītpunktu) Profesionālā bakalaura diploms izglītību Maģistra diploms Profesionālā maģistra diploms Doktora grāds 21/25 EN 22/25 EN AST-SC 1 to AST-SC 6 AST 3 to AST 11 AD 5 to AD 16 AST 1 to AST 7 COUNTRY Secondary education (giving access to Post-secondary education (non-university University-level education (lasting at least University-level education (4 years or more) post-secondary education) higher education course or short university 3 years) course lasting at least 2 years) Lietuva Brandos atestatas Aukštojo mokslo diplomas Profesinio bakalauro diplomas Aukštojo mokslo diplomas Aukštesniojo mokslo diplomas Aukštojo mokslo diplomas Bakalauro diplomas Magistro diplomas Daktaro diplomas Meno licenciato diplomas Luxembourg Diplôme de fin d’études secondaires BTS Bachelor Master et techniques Brevet de maîtrise Diplôme d'ingénieur technicien Diplôme d'ingénieur industriel Brevet de technicien supérieur DESS en droit européen Diplôme de premier cycle universitaire (DPCU) Diplôme universitaire de technologie (DUT) Magyarország Gimnáziumi érettségi bizonyítvány Felsőfokú szakképesítést igazoló Főiskolai oklevél Egyetemi oklevél Szakközépiskolai érettségi-képesítő bizonyítvány (Higher Vocational Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree 240 credits) bizonyítvány Programme) 180 credits) Mesterfokozat (Master degree) (Osztatlan mesterképzés) Doktori fokozat ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/203/oj Malta Advanced Matriculation or GCE MCAST diplomas/certificates Bachelor’s degree Bachelor’s degree Advanced level in 3 subjects (2 of Higher National Diploma Master of Arts them grade C or higher) Doctorate Matriculation certificate (2 subjects at Advanced level and 4 at Intermediate level including Systems of Knowledge with overall grade A-C) + Passes in the Secondary Education