New EU Job Opportunities Through EPSO: Open Competitions and Upcoming Calls
Updated: 26 September 2026The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is currently accepting applications from experienced professionals in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. It has also announced upcoming competitions in data management and legal fields. If you are considering a career with the European Union, the first step is to check which applications are open now and which competitions have yet to be published.
Open for applications: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (AD8)
Competition EPSO/AD/430/26 covers two AD8 fields: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Candidates may apply for one field only.The application deadline is 13 October 2026 at 12:00 noon, Brussels time. Applicants must also upload a valid identity card or passport by that deadline. Supporting documents must be uploaded by 14 January 2027.Applicants must be EU citizens, meet the language requirements, and have the required combination of university education and relevant professional experience. The selection process includes reasoning tests, a field-related test and a free-text essay on EU matters. Check the official AD8 competition page and its Notice of Competition for the exact eligibility rules.
Which competitions are coming next?
EPSO’s schedule, updated on 22 September, includes the following competitions. Applications are not yet open for these procedures. Dates marked with an asterisk are subject to confirmation.
| Competition | Planned publication | Planned application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| AST3 – Data Management Experts: data processing, librarianship, and records management | 6 October 2026 | 11 November 2026 |
| AD7 – Lawyer-Linguists for the Court of Justice of the EU, including a Greek-language profile | 21 October 2026 | 25 November 2026 |
| AD7 – Lawyer-Linguists / Legal Revisers for other language profiles | 4 November 2026* | 8 December 2026* |
| AD7 – Lawyers specialising in AI law, criminal law, procurement law or litigation | 9 December 2026* | 20 January 2027* |
Follow the official EPSO upcoming opportunities page for changes. The full eligibility requirements, tests and application instructions will be set out in each competition’s Notice of Competition when published.
What is happening with the AD5 competition?
The AD5 Graduates competition is still in progress, but applications closed on 10 March 2026. For candidates who submitted a valid application, EPSO plans to begin the verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests in November 2026. The EU knowledge test, digital skills test and free-text essay on EU matters are planned for 2027. Candidates should check their Single Candidate Portal account for their individual invitation and test information.
Another route: CAST contract staff
Registration for the CAST contract staff selection procedure remains open on a continuous basis across a range of professional profiles. Registration does not automatically lead to a test invitation or a job offer. EU institutions search the candidate database when recruitment needs arise and shortlist profiles that match their requirements. You can explore the profiles and eligibility criteria on the official CAST page.
How should you prepare?
Start by identifying the competition that matches your qualifications and experience. Read its official Notice of Competition, record every deadline, and focus your practice on the tests required for your chosen field.On the Study Community EPSO preparation page, you can explore preparation options for AD5, AD8, AST3, legal competitions and CAST, along with Reasoning Skills practice and mock exams. Effective preparation starts with knowing which opportunity fits your profile and what stage that selection procedure has reached.