Increased number of Irish officials working in EU Institutions welcomed by Minister Byrne

Increased number of Irish officials working in EU Institutions welcomed by Minister Byrne

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 19 March 2026
• Last updated on: 19 March 2026

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, has welcomed Ireland's increased representation among the staff of the EU Institutions, following the annual release of staff geographical balance data for 2025.

Minister Byrne said: "As we look forward to Ireland's EU Presidency later this year, it is very welcome to see an increase in Irish representation amongst the staff of EU institutions. In May 2022, I launched the 'A Career for EU' strategy, with the aim of increasing Irish representation in the EU's institutions and agencies, so it is very welcome to see the latest positive data indicating an increase in Irish representation."

Minister Byrne continued: "Ireland is on track to be appropriately represented within the EU institutions within the next 12 months. Ireland has 43 permanent officials at the key entry grades in the European Commission, up from 30 in 2022. Some 51 Irish civil servants now serve as Seconded National Experts to the European Commission alone, and Ireland accounts for almost 1 in every 20 SNEs, nearly three times our population share. In looking ahead, the Government is committed to supporting Irish candidates through the challenging EU competition processes and ensuring that Irish representation in the EU institutions and agencies is increased."

ENDS

Press Office

19 March 2026

Notes to Editors:

EU Institutions Staff Geographical Balance Data: The European Institutions set 'guiding rates' to ensure a proportionate number of officials from all Member States of the European Union are represented within the EU civil service. For more information, see: Commission staff - European Commission