An outside-in perspective on the future of the European Commission's civil service

Today, the High-Level group chaired by Catherine Day shared the results of their reflections on the Large-Scale Review with President von der Leyen and Commissioner Serafin. The purpose of this report is to recommend how the Commission can build the adaptive capacity it needs to continuously evolve and deliver results for future generations.

The European Commission is committed to ensuring that Europe can draw on a modern, efficient public administration to deliver on its political priorities and make a difference in Europeans' everyday lives. To support this goal, President von der Leyen tasked in the Mission Letter to Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, to carry out a large-scale review of the Commission's organisation and operations. This exercise aims to make the Commission stronger, more agile, and better equipped to serve Europeans in a rapidly changing world.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “In today's world, Europe needs to be fast, simple and focused. With our large-scale review, we aim for more efficiency. More results, faster. So we can deliver the best possible European public service for our citizens.”

Over the last year, the large-scale review was supported by the High-Level Reflection Group on the Future of the Commission's Civil Service, composed of nine external experts, that acted as a sounding board throughout the process.

Next steps

The High-Level group report "The Future of the Commission's Civil Service" is a key external input for the final large-scale review report which will be presented by Commissioner Serafin to President von der Leyen and the College in the months to come. This report will present an agenda for action to equip the European Commission and its staff for the future. The final review will also be informed by an external benchmarking exercise, and an extensive internal reflection process, including wide-ranging staff consultations and reports

Background

The High-Level group report has been prepared by nine members with expertise in transforming public organisations and driving organisational change across Europe. They were appointed in their personal capacities to serve as an external sounding board throughout the process to offer expert insights and an outside-in perspective on the work.

The groups met from October 2025 to October 2026 and focused on the administrative level of the Commission. The group focused on what they see as the key needs that will deliver long-lasting change in the decades ahead.

For more information

High-Level Group report – Large Scale Review