In EU institutions, contract agents can be employed under two main types of contracts: 3a and 3b. 3a contracts are widely believed to be better but are not available if you want to work for the European Commission and a few other “core” EU institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg.
While the tasks performed under both contracts don’t differ, there are other important differences among them.
A 3a contract is used mainly by EU Agencies, Executive Agencies and Delegations. Upon decision of management to extend a 3a contract, it will become indefinite after the 2nd extension. Because of this 3a contracts provide greater job security and stability.
A 3b contract provides a fixed-term employment for up to six years, and cannot be extended past this deadline. This is why staff with 3a contracts tend to look for more permanent career options in the EU institutions.
3b contracts are sometimes called an ‘auxiliary contract’.
| ASPECT | 3a Contracts | 3b Contracts |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Typically indefinite. Contract becomes indefinite after 2nd extension | Generally fixed-term, often with renewal for up to 6 years |
| Stability | More job security due to indefinite nature | Less job security, but an opportunity to network in the European Commission to get a more permanent role |
| Roles | The same for both types of contract | The same for both types of contract |
| Used by | Agencies, Executive Agencies, and Delegations | European Commission, other Brussels and Luxembourg-based “core” EU institutions |
| Flexibility | Less flexible due to indefinite duration | More flexible with varied fixed-term roles |
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