Here are some examples of the types of jobs EU officials may have.

Damien: British, age 29 - Grade AD5

Holder of a degree in Politics, this is his first job. He works in a unit shaping EU policy in the field of foreign relations and occasionally travels to other countries for meetings and negotiations. He has regular contact with some of the Commission’s offices abroad.

Net monthly pay: €4,000 (approximate)

Javier: Spanish, age 38 - Grade AD7

An Economics graduate, he recently joined the Court of Auditors, having worked as an auditor and as an accountant for two multi-national firms. He monitors budgets in the various EU institutions and associated bodies, which means he travels round Europe a great deal to carry out audit tasks.

Net monthly pay: €4,900 (approximate)

Carina: Swedish, age 33 - Grade AD10

Recruited as an A8 in 1996, she was promoted in 1998 and again last year. She is responsible for briefing both her Director-General and her Commissioner on environmental questions and for preparing speeches. She has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science.

Net monthly pay: €7,100 (approximate)

Ewald: German, age 43 - Grade AD11

Net monthly pay: €7,314 (approximate)

Ioannis: Greek, age 36 - Grade AST7

For several years he has been in charge of a small group of clerical staff, which helps to arrange the transport of documents and equipment for use by the Parliament at its different locations

Net monthly pay: €5,400 (approximate)