TAO - The independents

TAO – The Independents, also known as TAO, serves as the official staff association of the European Commission.

We are a diverse team committed to supporting colleagues and their families, improving our work environment, and embracing change when necessary. Our guiding principles include independence, a pro-European stance, respect for human rights, and transparency.

Should you require assistance with work-related issues, seek someone to talk to, or wish to actively participate in staff-related matters, consider reaching out to us. Let’s TAO!

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About Us

Why Join TAO‑The Independents

TAO-AFI is one of the most active unions at the European Commission. It is represented by a dynamic team of women and men with strong in-house expertise in all Commission work-related conditions.

From a diverse professional background (law, economics, political science, audit, etc), our opinions are based on facts and analysis relaying on experience and a wide network of contacts across the institution.

TAO-AFI offers personalised legal assistance for the appraisal, promotions, certification, professional mobility, pré-retirement, pensions, specific contract agents issues.
Assistance and advice are also provided in all work related situations such as conflictual work issues, respect of your rights, or career guidance.

TAO-AFI helps you best prepare you to pass the CAST or EPSO open competitions or other selection process, TAO-AFI offers comprehensive training sessions, delivered by renowned and highly qualified professionals in the sector.
Other training sessions include among others personal and professional development.

TAO-AFI organises all year round fun events for all its members and to all the personnel such as exhibitions, conferences on topical issues, excursions, shows, hikes, workshops and many more.

100% reimbursement for public transport, better coverage of medical expenses, better quality food in our canteens, price discounts for low grades and contract agents, STOP to Open space plans, more promotions for lower grades and pro-active search of talent and faire recognition of merits.

What We Offer

At TAO-AFI, we are dedicated to the appreciation and professional support of our members through specialised legal services, personal and professional development opportunities, as well as a variety of community events.

Furthermore, we are firmly committed to improving the working conditions and quality of life for our staff, focusing on essential aspects such as health, well-being, and professional recognition.

We are an association independent of any political group or external authority

Diverse and dynamic group of experienced colleagues with a marked pro-European vocation and proved work capacity

Rigourous proposals

You are the reason of the existence of the union, not the other way around. We stand to defend your claims

We welcome all staff regardless of category, entry date or nationality. All the personnel is to be defended

Our membership fees are one of the lowest. Our actions are exclusively financed by your contributions. Our accounts are audited and presented in full transparency to our members.

What make us different

TAO-AFI, the Association of Independent Officials, is an official trade union representing all the personnel of the European Commission sharing the democratic values of respect, tolerance, human rights, equal opportunities and rule of law.

We welcome all staff categories and function groups : civil servants, contract or temporary agents, whether you are pre or post 2004 or 2014. Regardless of your origin, gender or age group, we are there for you!