Can the EU civil service lead a more self-assertive Europe? Is it fit for purpose?

During the Dinner Debate organized by Res Publica Europa, we were able to debate about what Didier Georgakakis, Professor of Political science at the College of Europe and University Paris1 - Panthéon Sorbonne, has been studying over the past 20 years: the European civil service. His work focused on the social structures, careers, power roles and identity of EU officials. 

Who is this so called 'Eurocrat'? What motivates them? Do they take the European mission at heart? 

A lively and informal debate took place where people lost track of time and glasses were refilled as quickly as questions and arguments. We went home with 4 key takeaways:

1. The "typical (grey?) Eurocrat" is largely a stereotype. 

➡️ They are diverse in background, age, nationality and gender, but form a collective identity.

2. Stability in organizational structures can be a strength, not a weakness.

➡️ The underlying organizational structure remains unchanged, and doesn't need to be.

3. Leadership within the EU has been shifting towards management over expertise.

➡️ High level managers are concerned with managing their people for their department.

4. Intrinsic motivation does not come from attractive salary...

➡️ ...But is driven by ambition to shape policy beyond national constraints and act at the relevant level.