The test that many underestimate
Among the components of the AD5 competition, the EUFTE is the one spoken about the least — and that is precisely why it is an opportunity. While everyone focuses on multiple-choice tests, few practice their writing. Yet, it is a concrete, trainable skill that separates prepared candidates from those who improvise.
This guide explains what the EUFTE really is (starting with the correct name), how it is evaluated, and the method for preparing within the 40 minutes you have available.
The correct name: Free-Text Essay on EU matters
First things first: the EUFTE is the "Free-Text Essay on EU matters" — a free-text essay on EU topics. It is one of the written tests that EPSO introduced to its portfolio starting in 2024.
It should not be confused with other written tests:
- EUFTE (Free-Text Essay on EU matters) — used in generalist competitions such as the AD5.
- FRWT (Field-Related Written Test) — a different test, used in specialist competitions, linked to the professional field.
If you have read somewhere that the EUFTE is an "EU Field-Test Exercise", this information is incorrect: it confuses two distinct tests.
Real 2026 Format
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 40 minutes |
| Language | Language 2 (a second official EU language, B2 level) |
| Mode | Online, with proctoring |
| Evaluation | Out of 10 points, minimum threshold 5/10 |
| Weight | ~15% of the final score |
| When | Corrected only for the highest-ranking candidates after the MCQ tests |
An important point: the EUFTE counts towards the final ranking, not the preliminary one. This means it is only graded for candidates who perform well in the multiple-choice phase — in principle, approximately 1.5 times the number of positions on the list. The MCQ phase therefore remains the real filter: if you do not pass it, your EUFTE will not even be read.
What is actually assessed (the five official criteria)
EUFTE assesses exclusively written communication. EPSO is explicit: it is not a language test nor a test of factual knowledge. You do not need to prove that you know things, but that you know how to communicate them.
The five assessment criteria are public. Your text is judged on how well you:
- Structure the written communication with a logical flow of ideas.
- Write concisely, avoiding superfluous words and phrases.
- Present the subject matter in a clear and understandable way.
- Adapt the writing to the recipient and the purpose.
- Effectively use the information provided to perform the task.
Note what is NOT on the list: perfect grammar, sophisticated vocabulary, encyclopedic knowledge. What matters is clarity, structure, and the intelligent use of materials.
Which document you need to produce
The task asks you to write a typical EU administration working document, based on the materials provided. Typical examples for AD5 include:
- Briefing note — for example, for a Commissioner
- Policy memo
- Press release
- Short analytical report — for example, a summary for a Director
The task always specifies the recipient and purpose. A press release for the general public has a different register than a note for a Director: adapting to this is one of the five criteria.
The test is based on materials
EUFTE is not a memory-based essay. You will receive a dossier of documents — EU communications, articles, position papers, statistics — and you must build your response based on them.
The key rule: stick strictly to the provided materials. Do not bring in external knowledge, exactly as in Verbal Reasoning. The correct answer uses what is in the dossier, organizing it for the indicated recipient.
The exact conditions (when you receive the dossier, how many pages) are specified in the official notice: always check the text of EPSO/AD/427/26.
The method for the 40 minutes
Forty minutes is not much. You need a plan.
1. Read the task and identify the recipient + purpose (2-3 min). Who is reading? What should they be able to do after reading? This determines the structure and register.
2. Scan the dossier for relevant points (8-10 min). Do not read everything in depth: look for the data and arguments needed for the specific task.
3. Structure before writing (3-5 min). A quick outline: an introduction to set the scene, a body with key points ordered logically, and a conclusion with the recommendation or summary.
4. Write concisely (18-20 min). Short sentences, one idea per paragraph. Every sentence must add value: conciseness is an explicit criterion.
5. Proofread (3-5 min). Check the logical flow and cut out anything superfluous.
How to train
- MCQ tests first. These are the filter that determines whether your EUFTE will be read. Without passing them, the writing part doesn't count.
- 40-minute timed sprints. Train with real-time constraints, not without limits.
- Modular blocks. Build reusable formulas for the opening, analysis, options, recommendation, and closing: they save you precious minutes.
- Adapt the register. Practice writing the same content for different audiences (a Commissioner vs the general public).
- Dossier synthesis. Take a dense document, map its structure, and write a summary sticking only to the data provided.
- AI for feedback only. Use artificial intelligence tools to get corrections, never to write on your behalf.
For the full overview of the AD5 selection — all tests, calendar, and requirements — read our complete guide to the EPSO 2026 competition. And to train the other components, we look forward to seeing you in the EU·Now practice section.
In summary
The EUFTE is the test that rewards those who prepare while others ignore it:
- It is a 40-minute essay in Language 2 that accounts for ~15% of the final score.
- It assesses how you communicate, not what you know: structure, conciseness, clarity, adaptation, and use of materials.
- The passing score is 5/10, and it can be mastered through timed sprints and modular blocks.
While everyone focuses on multiple-choice tests, writing can be your competitive advantage.
