The European Commission's team of counsellors has received almost 1,000 requests related to harassment complaints since the service was introduced in the fall of 2024. A Commission spokesperson said the confidential counsellors have received 960 reports from colleagues feeling harassed, alleged harassers, witnesses, managers, and HR correspondents since September 2024.
A Commission spokesperson stated that the increase in reports to the chief confidential counsellor was generated by increased awareness of how to seek support. The Commission, which has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people, has held presentations on anti-harassment policy attended by 14,000 staff members over the last two years. During the same period, 2,400 managers attended mandatory training sessions on anti-harassment policy.
Received by confidential counsellors since September 2024
Mandate and formal procedures
Lene Naesager, appointed as the chief confidential counsellor in May 2024, leads a team of 40 counsellors across the European Commission and its executive agencies. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that the chief confidential counsellor is not empowered to launch investigations into allegations of harassment and has no mandate to qualify conduct as harassment as defined in the Staff Regulations.
To make a formal complaint, European Commission staff must contact the Investigation and Disciplinary Office (IDOC) or the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). The Commission typically receives approximately 20 to 25 formal complaints per year.
Institutional review and context
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has launched a review into the Commission's operations. A senior official said the review will not include recommendations on anti-harassment policy because it falls outside its scope. This follows a POLITICO investigation into European Commission staff complaints regarding long hours, unwieldy bureaucracy, and toxic management.
An internal survey found that 74 percent of staff rated the European Commission as an attractive employer, an increase of six percentage points from 2023. A Commission spokesperson said the institution was “committed to being a modern, respectful and attractive place to work”.
