XXII Conference on Employment in the European Union This will transform the University of Granada into a key meeting point for those considering working in European institutions. For two days, the Granada campus will focus on explaining, in detail and with a highly practical approach, the current selection processes and the steps to take to approach them with greater confidence.
This activity, open primarily to university students and graduatesIt has established itself as a key event in Spain for learning firsthand about the professional opportunities offered by the European Union. This year's program focuses primarily on the new EPSO competitive examinations and the skills currently required to pursue a career in the European administration.
Dates, location and entities promoting the conference
The meeting will take place on April 13 and 14, 2026 at the University of Granada, organized by the institution's European Documentation Centre (EDC). These workshops combine information sessions and training activities, designed to provide specific guidance to those wishing to pursue their professional careers in Brussels, Luxembourg, or other European locations.
The opening session is scheduled for April 13 at 9:30 p.m. It will be attended by top-level institutional representatives from both the university and the Spanish administration's liaison to the EU. This formal launch will serve to highlight the relevance of European public sector employment in the current context and the importance of thorough preparation for these processes.
Among those participating in the opening are Esteban Romero FrĆas, Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship at the University of Granada; Elena Campos-LĆ³pez CarriĆ³n, Civil Service Advisor at the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union; and Pablo MartĆn RodrĆguez, director of the European Documentation Centre at the University of Granada. His presentation will highlight the role of the university as a bridge to the European institutions.
The conferences are supported by European Documentation Center and the support of several public entities: the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union, the General Secretariat for External Action and the European Union of the Regional Government of Andalusia, and the Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability, and Entrepreneurship of the University of Granada. This network of support consolidates the activity as a strategic initiative in southern Europe.
Employment opportunities in the EU and the focus of the conference
The central theme of this edition can be summarized in two main sections: Job opportunities in the European Union y EPSO exam preparationBased on these two lines, the program is organized to offer a clear vision of the career paths available and the skills that are valued today.
The sessions are designed so that attendees can learn in detail. how does personnel selection work in community institutions: from the type of places offered to the different phases of the processes, including the usual tests and the characteristics of working in these organizations.
The activity is not limited to presenting general information, but seeks to provide practical tools to advance in preparation. Therefore, the design of the sessions combines theoretical explanations, question periods, and exam simulation activities, with the aim of ensuring that participants leave with a more concrete idea of āāwhat to expect.
One of the aspects that will be highlighted is the role of European institutions as a stable professional environmentinternational and with long-term development potential. The idea is to show that working in the EU is not a distant option, but a realistic alternative if preparation is well planned and the requirements are known from the outset.
The new EPSO competitive examination model and the competency framework
This edition of the conference is of special interest because it focuses on the new model for staff selection in the European Unionwhich has introduced significant changes to the competitive examinations managed by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO). These adjustments affect both the type of tests and the way in which candidates' abilities are assessed.
One of the key points is the renewed competency frameworkThis approach places greater emphasis on transferable skills relevant to the current job market. Key competencies include information management, digital skills, and the ability to navigate highly technological and dynamic environments.
In addition, skills such as the critical thinking, teamwork, and communicationBoth oral and written communication skills are essential. The combination of these elements defines the professional profile that European institutions are seeking for the coming years, beyond the specific technical knowledge of each area.
During the sessions, participants will learn how these skills are integrated into the tests, what types of exercises are typically used to assess them, and what is expected of candidates in simulated work situations. This information is especially useful for tailoring preparation to better reflect the realities of the hiring process.
In-person sessions, limited capacity, and practical methodology
The sessions have been designed with a strongly practical focus of this MasterThe focus is on enabling the participating group to work closely with the speakers. For this reason, attendance at the in-person sessions has been limited to 40 peopleThis facilitates a more personalized approach and better use of the activities.
The sessions will be taught by active officials of the European UnionThey will contribute their direct experience in both the selection processes and the day-to-day work within the institutions. This perspective allows them to offer practical advice that goes beyond theory and addresses real-world situations.
Among the planned activities, the following stand out: mock examsThese exercises are designed to replicate the format and level of difficulty of official exams. They allow you to become familiar with the time limits, the types of questions, and the pressure you might feel in a real assessment environment.
In addition to the drills, the sessions include specific spaces for sharing recommendations and strategiesHow to organize your studies, what resources to consult, how to manage deadlines, and what mistakes to avoid. The goal is for participants to leave with a clearer action plan to continue preparing for their competitive exams.
Program content and types of tests covered
The program of the XXII Conference on Employment in the European Union is designed to give participants an in-depth understanding How is a European selection process structured?Throughout the different sessions, the usual phases will be reviewed, from registration to the final stages.
Among the exercises that will be covered are the reasoning testsThese topics typically include numerical, verbal, and abstract concepts. This type of content requires specific practice and good time management, aspects that will be addressed through examples and guided exercises.
Attention will also be paid to the assessment of knowledge about the European UnionThis section covers everything from institutional functioning to key EU policies. Understanding this context is essential for approaching the selection questionnaires with a solid foundation.
Written tests These exercises are another of the program's strengths. They typically assess analytical skills, clarity of expression, and the ability to synthesize complex information. During the sessions, guidelines will be offered for improving writing skills and structuring responses in these types of exercises.
In addition, the following will be used practical simulations and case studies These exercises replicate typical working situations within the European administration. This type of exercise helps to understand how the skills being assessed are applied in practice and what behaviors are considered most appropriate in each context.
Invited speakers and direct experience from European institutions
One of the most valued elements of these conferences is the participation of professionals who already work in the institutions of the European UnionThis edition is expected to feature experts with established careers in Brussels, who will share their experiences and their vision of European public employment.
Among the invited guests are Soledad Blanco ThomasPolitical Administrator at the Directorate-General for Justice and Home Affairs of the Council of the European Union. Her experience lies in a particularly sensitive area within European policies, which will provide firsthand knowledge of how work is managed in a high-impact field.
Will also participate Gabriel Alonso FrieraPolicy Officer at the European Commission, who will provide his perspective on the internal workings of the Commission and on how the tasks of developing, monitoring and implementing public policies at the community level are carried out.
Both speakers will offer practical tips for successfully tackling The selection processes: from how to prepare for each phase to how to plan a medium- and long-term career within the EU. Her presentation will also help to dispel some misconceptions about accessing these positions.
The exchange with these officials will allow attendees to gain a more realistic understanding of What does it mean to work in the European administration?: working conditions, international environment, mobility possibilities, daily challenges and professional development opportunities.
Granada as an Andalusian benchmark in preparing for EU competitive examinations
With this new edition, the University of Granada reinforces its role as landmark in Andalusia for preparing for European Union competitive examinations. During these days, the city becomes a meeting place for those taking their first steps towards a career in the EU institutions.
It is also the first time that Granada hosts in Andalusia These highly specific practical sessions are dedicated to preparing students for European selection processes. This helps to bring these opportunities closer to students and graduates residing in the region who would otherwise have more difficulty accessing such specialized training.
The initiative is part of the University of Granada's strategy to promote international employability of its university community. Through the European Documentation Centre, students and graduates have a stable point of information and advice on programs, scholarships and career opportunities in the EU.
Over the years, these conferences have become established as a fixed appointment for those who want to work in Europebecoming a space to resolve doubts, learn about real experiences and make better-informed decisions about the professional future.
Overall, the 22nd Conference on Employment in the European Union offers a comprehensive opportunity to learn, in a practical and guided way, about the world of EPSO competitive examinations and the workings of the Community institutions, taking advantage of the presence of specialists and active officials and placing Granada on the map of the main centers for preparation for European employment in Spain.
