EPSO CAST Permanent Contract Agent Selection Tests (EU institutions)

Passage: The European Union's cohesion policy aims to reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities across member states. By directing funding toward less developed regions, the policy seeks to support infrastructure projects, job creation, and business competitiveness. While critics argue that the policy creates dependency in receiving countries, proponents emphasize that it helps integrate the single market, ultimately benefiting wealthier member states through increased trade opportunities. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?

• AWealthier member states can benefit economically from the EU's cohesion policy.
• BCohesion policy funding is exclusively directed toward infrastructure projects.
• CThe cohesion policy has successfully eliminated all regional economic disparities.
• DCohesion policy critics support the integration of the single market.

Passage: Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses must obtain explicit consent from individuals before processing their personal data for targeted marketing. While the regulation has enhanced user privacy across the Union, compliance costs have placed a significant financial burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Consequently, some SMEs have reduced their digital marketing activities, while larger corporations have absorbed these costs without altering their promotional strategies. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• AGDPR compliance costs have affected the digital marketing practices of some SMEs.
• BSMEs are exempt from obtaining consent under GDPR if compliance costs are too high.
• CLarger corporations do not need to comply with the GDPR consent requirements.
• DDigital marketing is no longer a viable strategy for any business in the EU.

Passage: Although the European Union has made significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy, its reliance on natural gas imports remains a key vulnerability. During periods of low wind and solar generation, gas-fired power plants are often utilized to meet electricity demand peaks. Some policymakers argue that expanding domestic gas production is necessary for energy security, whereas environmental groups maintain that any new fossil fuel infrastructure undermines the EU's 2050 climate neutrality target. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?

• AEU energy security and 2050 climate goals are viewed differently by different stakeholder…
• BNatural gas is only used when wind and solar generation are at their peak.
• CEnvironmental groups support domestic gas production as a transition fuel.
• DThe EU will fully phase out natural gas imports by 2050.

Passage: The European Commission's youth employment initiative has placed thousands of young graduates into traineeships across Europe. The program provides financial grants to host organizations to offset training costs, provided the organizations offer a structured curriculum. However, an independent audit revealed that 15% of participating organizations did not offer the required structured training, using trainees instead for routine administrative tasks. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• AAll host organizations under the initiative received funding without offering structured…
• BIndependent audits are mandatory for all EU funding programs.
• CSome host organizations did not comply with the initiative's training curriculum requirem…
• DThe youth employment initiative will be discontinued due to non-compliance.

Passage: European agricultural subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have historically favored large-scale industrial farms over smallholders. In recent reforms, the EU introduced eco-schemes that reward farmers for environmentally friendly practices such as crop rotation and organic farming. While these schemes are voluntary, agricultural economists predict that smallholders will adopt them at higher rates than large farms. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?

• ALarge industrial farms are legally barred from participating in voluntary eco-schemes.
• BThe CAP reforms mandate that all farmers adopt organic farming practices by law.
• CEco-schemes will fully replace traditional agricultural subsidies under the new CAP.
• DSmallholders are expected to participate in eco-schemes more readily than large-scale far…

Passage: The European Union's emissions trading system (ETS) operates on the cap and trade principle, where a ceiling is set on total greenhouse gas emissions. Companies receive or buy emission allowances within this limit and may trade them. By gradually lowering the cap, the EU ensures total emissions decrease. Critics note that during economic downturns, industrial activity slows, causing allowance prices to collapse and reducing incentives for green investment. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• AA decrease in industrial activity can lead to a drop in ETS allowance prices.
• BThe ETS cap is raised during economic downturns to support struggling businesses.
• CCompanies are prohibited from trading emission allowances during recessions.
• DGreenhouse gas emissions always increase during economic recessions.

Passage: In 2023, EPSO reformed the CAST Permanent selection procedure by removing field-related tests from the standard reasoning battery. Shortlisted contract-agent candidates now sit only verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning tests administered in their chosen Language 1. Recruiting services may still organise additional interviews or job-specific assessments after EPSO's reasoning tests. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?

• ACAST Permanent candidates no longer sit field-related tests as part of the standard EPSO…
• BAll job-specific assessments have been abolished from CAST Permanent procedures.
• CCandidates may choose any two EU languages for the reasoning tests.
• DEPSO reasoning tests are administered in the candidate's Language 2.

Passage: Under CAST Permanent rules, a candidate who passes the EPSO reasoning tests receives results valid for ten years from the publication date in their EPSO account. These results apply to the same function group and to lower function groups across all profiles. A candidate who fails must wait four months before being invited again for reasoning tests for the same or a higher function group. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• AA successful candidate may use their test results for a lower function group within the v…
• BFailed candidates are permanently barred from all EU contract-agent positions.
• CTest results expire after one year regardless of outcome.
• DCandidates who fail may immediately retake tests for a higher function group.

Passage: The European Central Bank sets key interest rates to maintain price stability in the euro area. When inflation exceeds the 2% target, the ECB typically raises interest rates to cool economic activity. Conversely, during periods of low inflation or recession, the ECB may lower rates to stimulate borrowing and investment. Commercial banks pass these rate changes on to consumers through mortgage and loan pricing. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?

• AChanges in ECB interest rates can affect consumer borrowing costs.
• BThe ECB raises rates whenever any euro-area country enters recession.
• CCommercial banks set ECB key interest rates independently of inflation.
• DThe ECB's inflation target is 5%.

Passage: The Schengen Area allows passport-free travel between participating EU member states and associated countries. However, temporary border controls may be reintroduced during serious threats to public policy or internal security. In recent years, several member states have invoked this provision citing migration pressures and terrorism concerns. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• AFree movement within Schengen is not absolute and can be suspended under certain conditio…
• BAll Schengen member states have permanently reintroduced border controls.
• CMigration pressures have never been cited as a reason for temporary border controls.
• DTerrorism concerns are unrelated to Schengen border control debates.

Passage: The European Parliament co-legislates on most EU laws together with the Council of the European Union. While MEPs are directly elected by citizens, the Council represents member-state governments. This bicameral structure means that neither institution can adopt legislation alone without the other's agreement, except in certain budgetary procedures. Question: Which conclusion is supported?

• AMost EU legislation requires agreement between the Parliament and the Council.
• BThe European Parliament can unilaterally adopt all EU laws.
• CCouncil members are directly elected by EU citizens.
• DBudgetary procedures always require unanimous Council approval only.

Passage: EU contract agents in function group II typically perform clerical, secretarial, or operational tasks under the supervision of officials. Their contracts may be renewed subject to institutional needs and performance. Unlike permanent officials, contract agents do not acquire the right to internal promotion to the administrator career track without passing a separate competition. Question: Which is logically supported?

• AContract agents do not automatically become permanent officials through tenure alone.
• BAll contract agents are promoted to administrators after five years.
• CFunction group II agents perform exclusively manual labour with no supervision.
• DContract renewal is guaranteed regardless of performance.

Passage: Digital Services Act obligations apply to very large online platforms and search engines reaching more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU. These platforms must assess systemic risks, publish transparency reports, and allow researchers access to data. Smaller platforms face lighter obligations proportionate to their size and risk. Question: Which can be inferred?

• ADSA requirements vary based on platform size and user reach.
• BAll websites operating in the EU face identical DSA obligations.
• CPlatforms with 10 million EU users must publish the same reports as very large platforms.
• DThe DSA exempts search engines from transparency requirements.

Passage: Erasmus+ provides grants for student mobility, staff exchanges, and partnership projects between educational institutions. Participating organisations must meet quality standards set by national agencies. Evaluation reports indicate that participants often report improved language skills and greater employability, though outcomes vary by field of study and host country. Question: Which is supported?

• AErasmus+ participants frequently report benefits to language skills and employability.
• BAll participants are guaranteed employment after completing Erasmus+.
• CQuality standards are optional for participating institutions.
• DOutcomes are identical regardless of field of study.

Passage: The European Court of Auditors examines whether EU funds have been collected and spent legally and efficiently. It publishes annual reports and special reviews but does not have the power to overturn national court decisions. Its findings may prompt the Commission to seek recovery of misspent funds from member states. Question: Which conclusion follows?

• AThe Court of Auditors can recommend financial recovery but cannot overturn national court…
• BThe Court of Auditors replaces national supreme courts in fiscal matters.
• CAnnual reports are published only when fraud is detected.
• DMember states never repay misspent EU funds.

Passage: Horizon Europe funds research and innovation across thematic clusters including health, climate, and digital technologies. Consortia must include partners from at least three different countries, although associated countries may participate under specific association agreements. Grant agreements require open-access publication of peer-reviewed articles resulting from funded research. Question: Which is supported?

• AHorizon Europe consortia generally require multi-country participation.
• BAll research outputs may remain permanently behind paywalls.
• CSingle-country projects are always preferred.
• DAssociated countries are barred from all Horizon Europe calls.

Passage: EU state aid rules prevent member states from granting selective advantages to companies that distort competition in the single market. Exceptions exist for aid addressing market failures, such as environmental protection or regional development in disadvantaged areas. The European Commission assesses notifications and may approve aid schemes that meet defined criteria. Question: Which can be inferred?

• ANot all government support to companies is automatically prohibited under EU state aid ru…
• BMember states may grant unlimited subsidies without Commission oversight.
• CEnvironmental aid is always illegal under state aid rules.
• DRegional development aid is never permitted.

Passage: Frontex coordinates border management support between EU member states and associated Schengen countries. Its mandate includes deployment of border guards, training, and risk analysis. Civil society organisations have criticised Frontex for insufficient transparency in incident reporting, while member states emphasise its role in managing irregular migration flows. Question: Which is supported?

• AFrontex's operations are subject to differing evaluations by stakeholders.
• BFrontex has replaced all national border agencies.
• CCivil society uniformly supports Frontex transparency practices.
• DRisk analysis is outside Frontex's official mandate.

Passage: The European Green Deal sets a binding target of climate neutrality by 2050. Intermediate milestones include a 55% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Achieving these targets requires reforms in energy, transport, agriculture, and industry, with significant investment from both public and private sources. Question: Which follows logically?

• AReaching EU climate neutrality will require changes across multiple economic sectors.
• BOnly the energy sector must change to meet Green Deal targets.
• CThe 2030 milestone is a 55% gross increase in emissions.
• DPrivate investment plays no role in Green Deal implementation.

Passage: EPSO CAST Permanent candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge (minimum C1) of Language 1, used for all three reasoning tests. Language 2 must be English, French, or German at satisfactory level (minimum B2) and is assessed by recruiting services during interviews. The two languages must be different. Question: Which is correct based on the passage?

• AReasoning tests are taken in the candidate's Language 1 at C1 level or above.
• BLanguage 2 is used for the abstract reasoning test only.
• CCandidates may use the same language for both Language 1 and Language 2.
• DB1 level is sufficient for Language 1 in CAST Permanent.

Passage: The Single Market allows goods, services, capital, and people to move freely across EU borders. Non-tariff barriers such as differing national standards can still impede trade. Mutual recognition principles allow products legally sold in one member state to be sold in others unless specific harmonised EU rules apply. Question: Which is supported?

• AHarmonised EU rules can override mutual recognition in specific cases.
• BAll national product standards have been abolished.
• CThe Single Market eliminates every trade barrier without exception.
• DServices face no regulatory differences between member states.

Passage: EU competition law prohibits cartels and abuse of dominant market positions. The Commission may impose fines reaching up to 10% of a company's worldwide turnover. Leniency programmes encourage cartel members to report collusion in exchange for reduced penalties, which has increased detection rates according to enforcement statistics. Question: Which can be inferred?

• AReporting cartel activity through leniency may result in reduced fines.
• BThe maximum fine is always exactly 10% regardless of circumstances.
• CCartels are permitted if they involve only EU-based firms.
• DLeniency programmes have had no effect on detection.

Passage: The European Social Fund Plus invests in employment, education, and social inclusion. At least 25% of resources in each member state's programme must support social inclusion objectives. Managing authorities report implementation through annual monitoring, and the Commission may suspend payments if serious irregularities are found. Question: Which is supported?

• AA minimum share of ESF+ funding in each member state must target social inclusion.
• BAll ESF+ funds may be allocated exclusively to infrastructure.
• CThe Commission cannot intervene when irregularities occur.
• DSocial inclusion is optional for all member states.

Passage: Recruiting services pre-select CAST Permanent candidates before EPSO invites them to reasoning tests. Invitations are typically sent about ten days before the test date. Candidates must book a test appointment within the offered window; failure to book or sit the test does not automatically trigger a new invitation. Question: Which follows?

• AMissing a booked EPSO test does not guarantee an automatic re-invitation.
• BCandidates receive invitations one year before tests.
• CPre-selection is conducted by EPSO rather than recruiting services.
• DTest appointments are assigned without candidate booking.

Passage: The EU Digital Identity Wallet aims to let citizens store and share verified credentials such as diplomas and driving licences. Participation is voluntary for member states and citizens. Interoperability standards are being developed so wallets issued in one country can be recognised across the EU. Question: Which is supported?

• ACitizens are not required to adopt the EU Digital Identity Wallet.
• BAll member states must mandate wallet use by 2026.
• CCredentials stored in wallets will not be recognised outside the issuing country.
• DThe wallet is limited to payment functions only.

Passage: The European Medicines Agency evaluates medicines for safety and efficacy before authorisation in the EU. Accelerated assessment pathways exist for medicines addressing unmet medical needs. Once authorised, medicines remain subject to pharmacovigilance monitoring, and the Agency may recommend suspension if new safety concerns emerge. Question: Which can be inferred?

• AAuthorisation does not permanently exempt a medicine from further safety review.
• BAll medicines receive identical assessment timelines regardless of medical need.
• CThe Agency authorises medicines without evaluating efficacy.
• DSafety concerns after authorisation cannot lead to regulatory action.

Passage: EU public procurement rules require contracts above certain thresholds to be advertised EU-wide and awarded based on transparent criteria. Exceptions exist for emergencies and specific security-sensitive contracts. The 2023 revision strengthened sustainability criteria, allowing contracting authorities to consider environmental and social impacts alongside price. Question: Which is supported?

• AContracting authorities may consider environmental factors when awarding contracts.
• BAll contracts regardless of value must be advertised EU-wide.
• CEmergency contracts are never subject to any procurement rules.
• DPrice is the only criterion permitted in all EU procurement.

Passage: The European Investment Bank provides long-term financing for projects supporting EU policy goals. It focuses on innovation, climate action, and infrastructure. Because it operates on a not-for-profit basis and benefits from EU backing, it can offer favourable lending terms compared to commercial banks for eligible public-sector projects. Question: Which follows?

• AThe EIB may offer more favourable terms than commercial banks for certain eligible projec…
• BThe EIB operates primarily to maximise shareholder dividends.
• CClimate action projects are explicitly excluded from EIB financing.
• DOnly private companies may borrow from the EIB.

Passage: Under the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive, organisations with 50 or more workers must establish internal reporting channels. Reports may concern breaches of EU law in areas such as public procurement, financial services, and environmental protection. Member states must ensure that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation. Question: Which can be inferred?

• ASmaller organisations with fewer than 50 workers are not covered by the same internal rep…
• BWhistleblowers may report only criminal offences, not regulatory breaches.
• CRetaliation against whistleblowers is permitted if the report proves unfounded.
• DThe directive applies exclusively to EU institutions, not private companies.

Passage: The European Semester is the EU's annual cycle of economic policy coordination. The Commission publishes country-specific recommendations addressing fiscal policy, structural reforms, and investment priorities. While recommendations are not legally binding, peer pressure and market expectations often influence national policy choices. Question: Which is supported?

• ACountry-specific recommendations may influence national policy even though they are not l…
• BThe European Semester legally compels member states to adopt all Commission recommendatio…
• CThe process occurs only once every five years.
• DInvestment priorities are excluded from the Semester's scope.

Passage: Eurojust facilitates judicial cooperation in criminal matters among EU member states. It supports coordination of cross-border investigations and prosecutions involving offences such as terrorism, cybercrime, and corruption. Eurojust does not replace national prosecutors but helps them work together more effectively. Question: Which conclusion follows?

• AEurojust assists national prosecutors in cross-border cases without replacing them.
• BEurojust has authority to override national criminal court verdicts.
• CCybercrime falls outside Eurojust's scope of cooperation.
• DOnly terrorism cases may be referred to Eurojust.

Passage: The EU Cybersecurity Act established a framework for EU-wide cybersecurity certification of ICT products and services. Certification schemes are voluntary unless referenced in EU law or national regulation. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) supports member states and develops certification schemes. Question: Which is supported?

• AICT cybersecurity certification is voluntary unless required by law or regulation.
• BAll ICT products sold in the EU must obtain mandatory ENISA certification.
• CENISA has no role in developing certification schemes.
• DThe Cybersecurity Act abolished all national cybersecurity standards.

Passage: The Recovery and Resilience Facility provided EU funding to support post-pandemic recovery and green and digital transitions. Member states submitted national recovery plans identifying reforms and investments. Disbursement of funds was linked to achievement of milestones and targets agreed with the Commission. Question: Which can be inferred?

• AReceipt of RRF funds was conditional on meeting agreed milestones and targets.
• BAll member states received identical funding amounts regardless of plan content.
• CRecovery plans were optional and unrelated to fund disbursement.
• DThe facility funded only health-sector investments.

Passage: EU trade agreements with third countries must be negotiated by the Commission and concluded by the Council. The European Parliament must give its consent before most agreements enter into force. Some provisions, such as investment protection in mixed agreements, may require ratification by each member state. Question: Which follows?

• AParliamentary consent is required before most EU trade agreements take effect.
• BThe European Parliament negotiates trade agreements directly with third countries.
• CMember states never participate in ratification of trade agreements.
• DThe Commission concludes agreements without Council involvement.

Passage: The European Pillar of Social Rights sets principles on fair wages, gender equality, and social protection. While not directly legally binding, it guides EU legislation and policy initiatives. Several directives on minimum wages and platform work have drawn on Pillar principles. Question: Which is supported?

• AThe Pillar has influenced subsequent EU legislative initiatives.
• BThe Pillar directly imposes binding obligations on all employers.
• CGender equality is excluded from the Pillar's principles.
• DNo EU directives have referenced Pillar principles.

Passage: Candidates for CAST Permanent must check their EPSO account at least every three calendar days during the selection procedure. Important information including test invitations and results is communicated through the EPSO account. Failure to check the account is the candidate's responsibility unless a technical problem on EPSO's side prevents access. Question: Which can be inferred?

• ACandidates are expected to monitor their EPSO account regularly during selection.
• BEPSO sends all communications exclusively by postal mail.
• CTechnical problems on EPSO's side permanently excuse candidates from all deadlines.
• DTest results are never published in the EPSO account.

Passage: The EU Batteries Regulation sets requirements for sustainability, labelling, and end-of-life collection of batteries. Producers must register and report data on battery placement on the market. From 2027, portable batteries in appliances must be designed so consumers can remove and replace them. Question: Which is supported?

• AFuture battery design rules will require consumer-replaceable portable batteries in appli…
• BProducers are exempt from registration if batteries are exported outside the EU.
• CEnd-of-life collection requirements apply only to industrial batteries.
• DLabelling requirements have been removed from the regulation.

Passage: The European Economic and Social Committee represents organised civil society, including employers, workers, and various interest groups. It issues opinions on EU legislative proposals but does not vote on laws. Its role is consultative, providing input before Parliament and Council decisions. Question: Which follows?

• AThe EESC provides advisory opinions but does not adopt legislation.
• BThe EESC has equal law-making power with the European Parliament.
• COnly trade unions are represented in the EESC.
• DThe Committee's opinions are legally binding on the Commission.

Passage: EU agencies such as ECHA, EFSA, and EMA provide scientific and technical expertise to support EU policymaking. They operate independently within their mandates but are accountable to their governing boards and the institutions that established them. Staff are often recruited through EPSO competitions or CAST procedures. Question: Which can be inferred?

• AEU agencies may employ staff recruited through EPSO selection procedures.
• BEU agencies operate entirely outside institutional accountability.
• CScientific expertise plays no role in EU agency mandates.
• DAll EU agency staff must be permanent officials.

Passage: The EU taxonomy for sustainable activities classifies economic activities that substantially contribute to environmental objectives. Financial market participants may use taxonomy criteria to label green investments. Critics argue the taxonomy is too lenient on certain energy activities, while supporters say it provides needed clarity for sustainable finance. Question: Which is supported?

• AThe taxonomy is intended to help identify environmentally sustainable economic activities.
• BAll economic activities are automatically classified as sustainable under the taxonomy.
• CFinancial markets are prohibited from using taxonomy criteria.
• DThere is unanimous agreement on the taxonomy's stringency.

Passage: Under CAST Permanent, a candidate who fails the reasoning tests may still be invited to take tests for a lower function group during the four-month waiting period for the same or higher function group. However, re-invitation depends on being pre-selected again by a recruiting service. Question: Which is correct?

• AA failed candidate could sit tests for a lower function group before the four-month waiti…
• BFailed candidates may never retake any EPSO tests.
• CLower function group tests require no pre-selection by recruiting services.
• DThe four-month rule applies equally to attempts for lower function groups.

Passage: The EU AI Act adopts a risk-based approach to regulating artificial intelligence systems. High-risk AI applications in areas such as employment and law enforcement face stricter requirements including risk management and human oversight. Minimal-risk applications face few or no obligations. Question: Which can be inferred?

• AAI regulatory obligations depend on the assessed risk level of the application.
• BAll AI systems face identical regulatory requirements.
• CEmployment-related AI is classified as minimal risk.
• DHuman oversight is never required under the AI Act.

Passage: The Committee of the Regions represents local and regional authorities in the EU. It delivers opinions on proposals affecting regional and local interests. Members are appointed from regional and local bodies and are not directly elected to the Committee by EU citizens. Question: Which follows?

• ACommittee of the Regions members are not directly elected by EU citizens.
• BThe Committee adopts EU laws jointly with the Council.
• CRegional interests are excluded from its mandate.
• DMembers are appointed solely by the European Commission.

Passage: EU copyright law was updated to require platforms to obtain licences for user-uploaded content and to implement notice-and-action mechanisms for infringing material. Right holders gained additional transparency rights regarding how their works are used online. Critics raised concerns about impacts on freedom of expression. Question: Which is supported?

• AThe copyright update imposed new obligations on online platforms regarding user-uploaded…
• BPlatforms are exempt from copyright rules for all user uploads.
• CRight holders lost transparency rights under the update.
• DFreedom of expression concerns were not raised by any stakeholders.

Passage: The European Public Prosecutor's Office investigates and prosecutes crimes affecting the EU budget, such as fraud and corruption involving EU funds. It operates in member states that have joined the enhanced cooperation. EPPO does not prosecute all criminal offences in participating states, only those within its mandate. Question: Which can be inferred?

• AEPPO's jurisdiction is limited to offences affecting the EU budget.
• BEPPO prosecutes all criminal cases in every EU member state.
• CFraud involving EU funds falls outside EPPO's mandate.
• DAll member states are required to participate in EPPO.

Passage: CAST Permanent covers function groups I through IV, spanning manual support roles to specialised professional tasks. Function group I typically involves manual and administrative support, while function group IV involves complex analytical or specialist work requiring higher qualifications. Question: Which is supported?

• ACAST Permanent covers multiple function group levels with differing task complexity.
• BAll CAST positions are identical in qualification requirements.
• CFunction group IV involves less complex work than function group I.
• DCAST Permanent is limited to function group II only.

Passage: The EU Platform Work Directive aims to improve conditions for people working through digital labour platforms. It introduces presumption of employment status when certain criteria are met and requires transparency on algorithmic management. Member states must transpose the directive within specified deadlines. Question: Which follows?

• APlatform workers may be presumed employees when specified criteria are met.
• BDigital labour platforms are exempt from all employment law.
• CAlgorithmic management practices require no transparency under the directive.
• DThe directive applies only to EU institutions, not member states.