European Commission anti-harassment reporting and institutional culture

The European Commission's confidential counsellors service was introduced.

In the fall of 2024, the European Commission introduced a team of confidential counsellors to handle harassment-related matters. Led by Lene Naesager, who was appointed in May 2024, the team consists of 40 counsellors operating across the Commission and its executive agencies.

Since September 2024, the service has received 960 reports from various parties, including colleagues feeling harassed, alleged harassers, witnesses, managers, and HR correspondents. A Commission spokesperson noted that the significant number of requests indicates an increased awareness of how to seek support through this channel.

While the service provides support, the chief confidential counsellor does not have the mandate to launch investigations or legally qualify conduct as harassment under Staff Regulations. To file a formal complaint, staff members must contact the Investigation and Disciplinary Office (IDOC) or the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

The European Commission appointed Lene Naesager as its chief confidential counsellor.

In May 2024, the European Commission appointed Lene Naesager as its chief confidential counsellor. She leads a team consisting of 40 counsellors operating across the Commission and its executive agencies.

In this role, the chief confidential counsellor reports to Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin. However, the position does not hold a mandate to launch investigations into harassment allegations or the legal authority to qualify conduct as harassment under the Staff Regulations.

European Commission counsellors receive nearly 1,000 harassment reports