New staff members in the European Commission and all other EU institutions undergo a mandatory nine-month probationary period.

This period allows the institution to assess the employee’s suitability for the role. During this time, performance is monitored, and the employment contract can be terminated more easily if expectations are not met.  

During the probationary period, the institution has the right to terminate the employment contract with shorter notice and with less justification compared to after the probationary period is successfully completed. Once the probationary period is successfully completed, terminating the contract requires more substantial grounds and several rounds of professional ‘appraisal’.

Important to know –
during the probationary period, new recruits who are required to relocate are entitled to a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) to help cover the costs of living in a new location. The DSA is paid for at least the first four months of the probationary period. If the employee has to move with their family (at least the spouse or one dependant), the DSA will be paid for ten months.