79,343 Italian Candidates Applied for EPSO AD5: Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever

A Record Number of Italian Applicants: What Does it Mean for You?

The EPSO AD5 competition is always fiercely contested, but the numbers for the 2026 competition are particularly striking. A staggering 174,727 candidates applied, and a dominant 79,343 of those came from Italy – representing a massive 45.4% of the total applicant pool. This is a significant increase from previous years and presents a unique challenge for Italian candidates. While enthusiasm is high, understanding the realities of the geographical balance system and the resulting competition is crucial for success.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Let’s put those figures into perspective. Here's a breakdown of the top four represented nationalities:

• Italy: 79,343
• Spain: 13,789
• Germany: 11,699
• France: 10,939

The sheer scale of Italian applications dwarfs those of other major EU nations. This isn't simply a reflection of Italy’s population size; it highlights a strong desire among Italian graduates to pursue careers within the European institutions. But desire alone isn’t enough.

Geographical Balance: A Key Consideration (Not a Quota)

The European Commission monitors the geographical balance of its workforce so that it broadly reflects the diversity of EU member states. This is done through a guiding rate — a non-binding benchmark — set at approximately 11.2% for Italy, based on population share and other criteria.

It is important to be clear: there is no formal nationality cap on the EPSO AD5 reserve list. The 11.2% figure is a guiding rate / benchmark used during recruitment from reserve lists, not a hard quota on how many Italians can pass the competition. Italy is currently not on the Commission's list of underrepresented Member States — Italian staff already represent around 13.7% of Commission personnel, above the 11.2% guiding rate.

This doesn’t mean Italian candidates are disadvantaged in the tests themselves. EPSO tests are designed to assess skills and competencies equally for all applicants. However, with ~45% of all AD5 2026 applicants coming from Italy, the competition among Italian candidates is extremely intense. Italian candidates need to outperform their peers in sheer numbers, not because of a quota, but because the applicant pool itself is so large.

Why Italian Candidates Must Aim Higher

Simply achieving the minimum passing score is unlikely to be sufficient for Italian applicants. In a highly competitive field, you need to stand out. Consider this: if the average score across all candidates is, for example, 70%, and the pass mark is set at 60%, a score of 60% might not even get you considered. With such a large cohort of Italian candidates, the successful applicants are likely to be those who score in the top 20-25% – meaning a score significantly above the average.

The Alluring Appeal: Salary and Stability

The surge in Italian applications is largely driven by compelling economic factors. The average monthly salary in Italy currently hovers around €1,800. In contrast, an AD5 official can earn up to €6,758 per month (before deductions). This represents a substantial increase in earning potential, offering financial security and a higher standard of living. Beyond salary, the stability of a career within the EU institutions, coupled with the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment, are also significant draws for ambitious Italian graduates.

Strategies for Success: A Guide for Italian Candidates

So, what can Italian candidates do to maximize their chances of success? Here are some key strategies:

• Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to begin your preparation. The EPSO AD5 competition is rigorous and requires consistent effort over several months.
• Leverage Italian-Language Resources: While the tests are conducted in multiple languages, practicing in Italian can help you refine your reasoning skills and build confidence. Focus on verbal and numerical reasoning exercises in your native language before transitioning to English or French.
• Identify and Address Weak Areas: Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Dedicate more time to improving areas where you struggle, whether it's abstract reasoning, verbal reasoning, or numerical reasoning.
• Focus on Time Management: The EPSO tests are timed, so effective time management is crucial. Practice completing exercises under pressure to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Understand the EPSO Logic: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked in the EPSO tests and the underlying logic behind them. Past papers and practice tests are invaluable resources.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with current affairs and EU policies. This will not only help you in the verbal reasoning tests but also demonstrate your interest in the European Union.

EU·Now: Your Partner in EPSO Preparation

At EU·Now, we understand the challenges faced by Italian candidates in the EPSO AD5 competition. Our adaptive practice platform provides personalized learning paths tailored to your individual needs. We offer comprehensive practice tests in multiple languages, including detailed explanations and performance analysis, allowing you to identify your weak areas and focus your efforts where they matter most. Our intelligent algorithms adjust the difficulty of the questions based on your performance, ensuring you are constantly challenged and improving.

Don't let the high number of applicants discourage you. With dedicated preparation and a strategic approach, you can significantly increase your chances of success and embark on a rewarding career within the European Union.