The Court of Justice of the European Union has heard challenges brought by Spain and Italy to European Parliament recruitment competitions restricted to candidates of specified nationalities.
The joined cases concern whether the Parliament could reserve separate civil-service selection exercises for nationals of particular member states. The challengers argue that nationality limits sit uneasily with equal-treatment rules governing EU employment. The Parliament’s defense is expected to turn on institutional staffing needs and the legal conditions under which nationality balance may justify targeted recruitment.
The hearing does not produce an immediate ruling. Judges may question the parties and an advocate general may deliver an opinion before the court gives judgment. Until then, the legality of the competitions remains unresolved.
The dispute reaches a recurring tension within the European civil service. Institutions seek geographical balance among member states, but the method used to obtain it must still comply with the Staff Regulations and general principles of EU law. A judgment will clarify whether imbalance can justify nationality-specific competitions or must be addressed through less restrictive recruitment measures.
Official court: Court of Justice of the European Union
