The European Commission announced plans to hire an indicative overall recruitment target of 1058 posts from Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.

In order to ensure a smooth integration of officials and temporary agents from the new member states, the Commission has earmarked a transition period of five years (2007-2011) for citizens of the two newcomers.

After this period, the normal EU-wide recruitment process (EU-27) will apply. The overall indicative targets, including management posts, are 698 posts for Romania and 360 posts for Bulgaria, the Commission said in a statement.

With just over one week to go before Bulgaria and Romania join the European Union, preparations are well under way to welcome not only two new Commissioners, but also hundreds of officials at all levels of the Commission. There are 230 nationals of Bulgaria and Romania already employed at the Commission under temporary contracts. After 1 January 2007 their number will increase with compatriots occupying permanent posts.

Ninety-six Bulgarians and 134 Romanians are already working at the European Commission, mainly translators, interpreters and proofreaders, in order to ensure the timely publication of the "acquis communautaire".

They are temporary agents, seconded national experts or contract agents. These jobs attracted great interest, as almost 14 000 people submitted a CV to be included in the database of candidates for contract agent positions as Bulgarian or Romanian speakers.

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