Eurojust Staff Testimonials
Sophie HAENSEL, National Desk Assistant (Germany), National Desk of Germany
“I have lived in several countries and numerous cities all over the world and The Hague has been the easiest and fastest resettlement process I have experienced. As an expat, I instantly felt at home here. Working not only in such a multi-cultural city but also in an extremely diverse working environment has been very enriching and every day you learn something new about cultural traditions, business etiquette and cross-cultural communication.
This diversity is also reflected in my daily work as a National Desk Assistant for Germany, where I have gained invaluable insight into the German judicial system and the functioning of judicial cooperation across Europe. I would not be able to describe an average day at work because every day is different: my tasks range from registering urgent operational cases, to organising high profile visits or coordination meetings and sometimes doing basic administrative tasks such as managing an agenda or organising a mission. Working at Eurojust enables me to work, contribute to and research issues which are not only of great personal interest to me but also of extreme relevance given the current and unprecedented threats in regard to cross border crime and the constant changes in the political and legislative landscape of the European Union.”
Alinde TERSTEGEN-VERHAAG, Head of Legal Affairs Office, Resources Department
“Working at Eurojust fits with the ambition I had from the early years at university when I had a strong wish to work in a legal context in an international environment. Whilst Eurojust did not exist at the time, it almost seems as if my university courses prepared me for working here, focusing at that stage on European and International Law, human rights and criminal procedure law. I think it is important to identify in your studies where your heart and ambition lie and then try to follow that ambition with determination.
Eurojust can be an exciting place to work. We support cases from the EU Member States and try to bring efficiency in cross-border judicial cooperation. Our work contributes to enhancing safety in Europe and even beyond the European borders. For instance, Eurojust ensures that prosecution offices and counter-terrorism prosecutors in the Member States have access to experiences in terrorism trials across Europe so that we can learn from lessons and experiences in another country than our own. Currently, I work in the Legal Affairs Office, more remote from the actual heart of the Eurojust business, but trying to make the organisation a better place to work at, for all of our employees.
Eurojust is located in The Hague in a wonderful spot, with views over the city and the sea. It is a joy to cycle to work, coming out of the city and through the small forest between the city and the office. Over the years The Hague has become a place that is very welcoming to expats and offers a lot of cultural and sports events. I have never regretted moving here, and would not easily swap it for another place. “
Mihai MAIUG, ICT Support Officer, Information Management Unit
“Having worked in other European institutions in a similar position (Information Technology Assistant ), I feel that my current experience at Eurojust is well balanced. There are new technical developments to keep things interesting but also many processes in place to help with those challenges. We are a young enough organisation to have new things to implement and old enough to know how to approach those needs. That is a good place to be in.
On top of that there is a level of technical understanding both from the colleagues I am here to support and management. That makes my job a little bit easier and I am thankful for that.
Finally, there is a certain satisfaction displayed by most of my colleagues to work in a modern building in the heart of the International Zone. That helps me put things into perspective whenever I need that extra boost of motivation.”
Robert LAID, Judicial Cooperation Advisor, Operations Department
“Based on my previous experience seconded to a Eurojust National Desk (2012-2015), I was very happy to join the ranks of highly dedicated and passionate Eurojust staff in early 2018. Working at Eurojust has been an extremely enriching experience, working in a multicultural and international environment and in the ever-changing landscape of international cooperation in criminal matters, where Eurojust has a very essential role to play. Over the course of my previous stay, I grew to love The Hague and still find to be one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in Europe.”
