Brussels, September 2026 – The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) supports the principle that recruitment requirements for public technical positions should adequately reflect the scientific and professional competences needed to manage natural hazards, environmental challenges and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) expresses its support for the concerns raised by the Italian geological profession regarding the recent Italian RIPAM public recruitment procedure for 882 technical specialists.
The public competition, published on 24 August 2026 provides for the recruitment of technical specialists to strengthen the public administrations of the regions and local authorities in Southern Italy. However, as highlighted by EFG’s Italian member, the Consiglio Nazionale dei Geologi (CNG), and the regional Italian professional bodies, degrees in Geological Sciences were not included among the eligible qualifications, despite the functions associated with the positions covering areas such as hydrogeological and seismic risk, slope instability, coastal erosion, water resources, land-use planning and infrastructure.
The CNG has therefore formally requested a review of the competition requirements so that qualifications and competences in Earth Sciences can be appropriately considered. According to the CNG, no positive response has so far been received from the competent authorities.
The EFG considers this Italian case relevant to a broader European principle: recruitment criteria for public technical positions should reflect the actual scientific and professional competences required to perform the functions concerned.
Across Europe, public administrations are facing increasing challenges related to natural hazards, climate adaptation, water resilience, environmental protection, sustainable land management, infrastructure and natural resources. Ensuring that the relevant Earth Science expertise is available within public institutions is therefore an important element of effective risk prevention and evidence-based territorial planning.
The EFG supports the call of its Italian member to ensure that the professional and academic competences of geologists are appropriately recognised when they correspond to the responsibilities of public technical positions.
The European Federation of Geologists will continue to promote the recognition of professional geoscience competences across Europe, supporting appropriate standards for the geological profession and encouraging public authorities to make full use of Earth Science expertise in protecting society, managing natural risks and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
For further information, feel free to consult the press release of Italian National Council of Geologists, CNG: https://www.cngeologi.it/Cng/Visualizza/1874
