EU Commission plans thousands of new hires – member states protest

Ministers from nine European Union member states have urged the European Commission to abandon plans to increase its workforce by around 2,500 posts, citing the associated rise in administrative costs. In their view, such a move would run counter to calls for budgetary discipline directed at member states. Politico first reported the development.

In a letter to Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, initiated by Austria, the ministers welcomed the Commission’s efforts to streamline the next multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. However, they criticised the request for additional funding to recruit new officials and expand administrative capacity.

According to the signatories, hiring 2,500 staff members over the period from 2028 to 2034 would cost approximately €1.4 billion.

The letter was signed by representatives of Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands. They argued that the proposed increase in posts and administrative expenditure contradicts the stated objectives of efficiency and reform.

The ministers stressed that member states are under fiscal pressure and are taking steps to reduce spending and staff numbers. They therefore expect the Commission to apply the same principles to its own operations. The Commission did not immediately respond to the appeal.

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