Comparative Analysis of the Public Function in the European Union

The European civil service, a remarkably intricate institution in contemporary law, presents a fascinating subject for analysis and holds significant implications for our understanding of public administration. Its complexity, far from being a barrier, is a gateway to a deeper comprehension of its functioning. Analysing the principal regulations regarding public office and civil servants in different states of Europe reveals several similarities and relevant differences, further adding to the intrigue of this study. In Europe, there are two groups of countries where the public function differs. The first group comprises countries with traditional and stable professional civil servants, relatively independent from politics. These countries are some EU member states and others located in the so-called European Economic Area. The second group of countries, the ex-communist ones, face unique challenges. In these countries, there are no apparent distinctions between the apparatus of political parties, the public administration and the idea of the state as an independent reality. The countries in the second category are striving to develop new public service systems, a task that is not without its difficulties, to align themselves with the first group of countries. We aim to uncover an ideal model for regulating public function. This model would ideally ensure a balance between political influence and professional independence, promote meritocracy, and maintain a high level of public trust. We will achieve this by comparing how states establish norms applicable to it, a model that we hope to find in as many European administrative systems as possible through future reforms.