The National Expert Programmes enable public sector employees to undertake a temporary professional assignment within European Union institutions, bodies and agencies, while maintaining their employment relationship with their home administration and gaining first-hand experience of the European institutional environment.

These programmes provide an opportunity to gain direct knowledge of how the European institutions operate, develop professional and language skills, and strengthen the European dimension of public administration activities.

What do these programmes offer?

  • Professional experience within European institutions.
  • Practical knowledge of EU policies and procedures.
  • Professional development and acquisition of new skills.
  • Expansion of international cooperation networks.
  • Transfer of knowledge and best practices to the Regional Administration.
  • Retention of public servant status during the assignment.

Participation Modalities

SNE Programme

Seconded National Expert

Temporary assignment to European Union institutions and bodies.

NEPT Programme

National Expert Professional Training Programme

Practical training within the European Commission.

Erasmus for Public Administration

Direct insight into the functioning of the European institutions.

Seconded National Expert (SNE)

Temporary professional mobility within European Union institutions and bodies

Seconded National Experts are public servants temporarily assigned to European institutions and bodies in order to contribute their professional expertise and collaborate directly in their activities.

General Requirements

  • Be a public servant or public sector employee.
  • Meet the specific eligibility requirements of each vacancy notice.
  • Obtain authorisation from the employing administration.
  • Demonstrate the required professional experience.
  • Possess the language skills required by the recruiting institution, usually English and, in some cases, French.

Typical Documentation

  • Application form.
  • Motivation letter in English.
  • Europass Curriculum Vitae in Spanish and English.
  • Description of the position applied for.
  • Authorisation from the line manager.
  • Report or authorisation from the competent Human Resources authority.

Common Areas of Work

Agriculture Competition Economic and Financial Affairs Employment and Social Affairs Research and Innovation Environment Taxation Digitalisation Migration and Home Affairs Fisheries and Maritime Affairs

Current Open Calls

According to the latest bulletin issued by the Spanish Unit for the Presence of Spaniards in EU Institutions, numerous vacancies for Seconded National Experts are currently open within the European Commission, with application deadlines up to 25 September 2026.

Internal Procedure within the Regional Government of Murcia

There is no specific internal procedure. However, staff interested in applying for a Seconded National Expert vacancy should inform their Directorate-General and the Human Resources unit of their Ministry or organisation in advance, in order to obtain the necessary authorisations to participate in the selection process and, where appropriate, arrange the corresponding administrative status should they be selected. In order to ensure proper institutional coordination, applicants are also encouraged to inform the Directorate-General for European Union Affairs, which may provide support in identifying opportunities and in processing the candidature before the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union.

National Expert Professional Training Programme (NEPT)

Practical training within the European Commission

The NEPT Programme is aimed at public servants whose work is related to European Union policies and who wish to acquire practical experience within the European Commission.

Candidate Profile

  • Public servants from national, regional or local administrations.
  • Staff whose duties relate to EU policy areas.
  • Professionals with experience relevant to the post.
  • Persons with a good command of English and/or French.
  • Public servants authorised by their employing administration.

Particularly Recommended For

  • Managers of EU-funded programmes.
  • Participants in European networks.
  • Officials responsible for sectoral policies with a European dimension.
  • International relations and European affairs staff.
  • Public servants wishing to improve their understanding of the functioning of the European institutions.

Erasmus for Public Administration

Institutional immersion and understanding of the European institutions

Erasmus for Public Administration enables public servants to gain direct experience of the functioning of the European institutions, their working procedures and the main decision-making mechanisms of the European Union.

It is a valuable training and learning tool for professionals involved in European affairs or in the implementation of European Union policies.

Financial and Administrative Aspects of the National Expert Programmes

Aspect Information
Administrative Status Active service and preservation of employment rights.
Salary Generally remains payable by the home administration.
SNE Positions Some include allowances or subsistence payments. Others are cost-free positions.
NEPT Programme Participation as a cost-free seconded expert.
Prior Authorisation Requires approval from the employing administration.

 

Indicative Procedure for Staff of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia

  1. Identify a vacancy or opportunity of interest.
  2. Inform your line manager.
  3. Contact the competent Human Resources unit.
  4. Notify the Directorate-General for European Union Affairs of your application.
  5. Obtain the necessary authorisations.
  6. Prepare the required documentation.
  7. Submit the application through the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union.

Useful Resources

Contact

The Directorate-General for European Union Affairs of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia can provide information and guidance on these programmes, available opportunities and coordination with the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union during the preparation of applications.