Despite its promises of bureaucracy reduction, the European Commission is requesting 2,500 new posts for the next 2028–2034 budget cycle, officially citing new challenges such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, defence and biotechnology.
The plan has provoked widespread resistance in the European Parliament: EPP MEPs argue that the Commission would thus further increase its already considerable power, while liberals criticise the overgrown bureaucracy and propose internal reorganisation and the abolition of permanent civil servant status.
The European Taxpayers’ Association says that instead of delivering on its promises of reduction, the Commission is actually further swelling the system, and is calling for a 10–25 percent staff cut and the simplification of procedures.
