Date: March 20, 2024
Author: EUJobs Team
Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, is a cosmopolitan city that attracts professionals from all over the world. It’s home to many EU institutions, international organizations, and companies that work on a global scale. A common question among job seekers is whether it’s possible to secure a job in Brussels if they only speak English.
The good news is: Yes, you can work in Brussels with English. However, the ease of finding a job depends on the sector, your role, and whether you can adapt to Brussels’ multilingual environment. In this article, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges of working in Brussels with English as your primary language.
Brussels is a multilingual city, where French, Dutch, and English are commonly spoken. As the headquarters of the European Union and many international organizations, English is widely used in professional settings, especially in sectors like:
In these fields, English is often the working language. This makes Brussels an appealing destination for English-speaking professionals, especially those working in government affairs, public policy, and international relations.
That said, learning some basic French or Dutch can enhance your experience, help you integrate better, and even open up more job opportunities.
While English can get you far in Brussels, the type of job and sector you work in will determine how essential it is to know French, Dutch, or another language. Here are some sectors where English is commonly accepted or even preferred.
Brussels is the hub of the European Union, home to institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament, and various EU agencies. Many of these institutions operate in a multilingual environment, but English is the dominant working language, particularly in written communication, meetings, and reports.
Many international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and policy advocacy groups are based in Brussels. English is the primary language in most of these organizations, especially those working on global issues such as human rights, climate change, and public policy.
Public affairs, lobbying, and government relations firms in Brussels often cater to an international clientele, including multinational corporations, trade associations, and international governments. These firms use English extensively as their clients come from all over Europe and beyond.
Brussels is home to several multinational corporations in sectors like technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals. These companies often have English as their corporate language to align with their global operations.
While many sectors in Brussels rely heavily on English, there are certain industries and job roles where knowing French or Dutch is critical. These include:
For these roles, a basic understanding of French or Dutch is often not enough, as they require day-to-day interaction with locals in their native languages.
While you can find many jobs in Brussels with just English, learning French or Dutch can be a big advantage. Here’s why:
If you're searching for jobs in Brussels where English is the primary language, here are some practical tips:
Look for job boards that specialize in international roles, such as EUJobs, which focuses on EU job opportunities, public affairs roles, and jobs in international organizations. Many of these listings are for English-speaking positions.
Many global corporations with offices in Brussels operate in English. Target multinational companies, consulting firms, or tech companies where English is the corporate language.
Attend networking events, conferences, and job fairs focused on the international community in Brussels. Building connections in these circles can help you find opportunities where English is the primary working language.
Make sure to emphasize your strong command of English on your CV and during interviews, particularly for positions that require international communication. Highlight any experience in international policy, EU institutions, or global corporations where English was the working language.
In conclusion, working in Brussels with English is absolutely possible, especially in sectors like EU institutions, NGOs, public affairs, and multinational companies. English is widely accepted as the primary working language in many organizations, particularly those with an international focus.
That said, learning some French or Dutch will significantly expand your opportunities, enhance your career prospects, and improve your integration into Brussels’ multilingual society. Whether you're aiming for a role in government affairs, lobbying, or an international NGO, there are plenty of English-speaking job opportunities waiting for you in Brussels.
Looking for your next English-speaking job in Brussels? Check out our job board to explore current vacancies in EU institutions, public affairs, and communication roles.