A lawyer by training, 
Your professional beginnings? Your first job?
Anne Calteux. —“I started working as a waitress in a restaurant at the age of 15. I’m originally from Echternach. It was a very touristy town at the time, not so much today. There were a lot of Dutch, Belgian and German tourists. It was the first time I’d earned money myself. I had saved up to buy myself a hi-fi system with CD player and turntable.
You already had a European streak, so…
“Meeting people from elsewhere has always interested me.
At 15, did you already have a clear path in mind?
“No, not at all. I had no idea where life was going to take me. I wasn’t really sure what I should specialise in at school either. I was torn between languages and art. In the end, I chose languages.
Did you dream of being an artist?
“Yes. Maybe an artist or an architect. It was something that always inspired me. My father studied art and architecture, so it was very present. Don’t write it like that, but I had artistic gifts [smile]. And I wanted to live them. But I didn’t do it. Probably because I lacked the courage.
What I missed about being a lawyer was the files relating to the European Union. Although I had studied the subject a lot.
What motivated you to embark on the EU path that has been yours for over 20 years?
“I ended up studying law, so not at all artistic. I very quickly chose subjects related to Europe. I wanted to look further afield. I also spent a year in the UK during my studies [she has a master’s degree in comparative European law from London, editor’s note]. That was the turning point.
In London, I saw incredible diversity, with people from all over the place. Unlike Strasbourg, where I had studied before, which was very Franco-French. It became clear to me that I wanted to work in an international environment. Even when I returned to Luxembourg from London as a lawyer [from 1999 to 2003, editor’s note], I always had in mind going to work abroad. And to work in Europe. What I missed about being a lawyer was working on European Union (EU) cases. Even though I had studied the subject a lot.
How did you reconnect with it?
“My arrival in Brussels [in 2004] was by chance. My mother had spotted an advertisement for posts at Luxembourg’s Permanent Representation to the EU, in a team being strengthened for the 2005 presidency. I wrote a cover letter and it worked. Originally [for] a 20-month contract. It ended up lasting ten years. A great time in my life. Rich. I started my family there. I got to know Europe in all its facets there, in fact.
What was the turning point that has brought you to where you are today?
“I was familiar with the work of the Commission’s representation in Luxembourg, I followed their conferences. I also knew 
Sometimes I dream of a job that’s a bit less time-consuming. A desert island with good music and good books…
Barreau, Europe. Was there ever a time, however, when you thought about leaving everything behind and trying something else?
“No. I’ve never wanted to leave everything behind. Sometimes I dream of a job that’s a bit less time-consuming. A desert island with good music and good books… But I like working and I like what I do. All the jobs I’ve done, I’ve given it my all. I can’t do if I’m not passionate.
What is the early career mistake you wish you hadn’t made?
“As a woman, you often underestimate yourself at the start of your career. I worked like crazy when I was a lawyer. At that time, I didn’t take the time I needed to step back and ask myself who I was. What I wanted to be on the job market. What my values were. I wasn’t critical or assertive enough. I wouldn’t do it now. Perhaps it’s also a question of maturity.
In the more difficult moments, what do you do to overcome things?
“I keep things in perspective. I don’t take anything too personally. I remind myself that I’m in good health, that I have a family, friends, that I don’t lack anything. I’m fundamentally positive. Every job has made me grow. I’ve grown through others. Contributing to society is a huge opportunity. Living is an opportunity! In difficult times, you have to remember that every day has an end and the next day everything is better.
Which professional achievement are you most proud of?
“Being able to help support the Luxembourg government’s efforts during the Covid period. It was a demanding period, which required resilience. I’m quite resistant to stress by nature, so this taught me to be even more so. We’re capable of impressive things when we need to be. I still draw a lot of energy from that memory today. It helps me to look forward. I know where I come from and what I’ve been through. I learnt a lot about myself and what human beings are capable of in an emergency. I got up tired but aware that I was playing an important role in the future of the country and its citizens.
Balancing family life and professional life, even today, is still a challenge.
Is there a person or mentor who has been particularly important in your career?
“Lots of people, I don’t have a single mentor. I observe the people I work with and I draw inspiration from aspects of each of them, I take elements from both men and women. I often find women more inspiring. Because I’m a woman, obviously. And juggling family and professional life, even today, is a challenge. We’ve made progress on equality, but the family takes a lot of energy too.
What professional advice do you still have today?
“To be quite honest, I haven’t really been given any advice. On the other hand, I always advise myself: stay passionate and you’ll be good at what you do. It’s simple, but it’s true. I tell young people to study something that interests them, because working life will be different from what they imagine anyway.
Is there any criticism you’ve heard or received that has marked or challenged you?
“I can’t think of any criticism in particular. On the other hand, what bothers me are people who never express criticism, those for whom everything is always fine. I much prefer people who openly say: ‘We could have done things differently.’ What I can’t stand, on the other hand, is when people nod and agree with everything I do but think no less of it, without saying so openly.
What are the values that guide you?
“Authenticity, resilience, passion.
Are you more the type to make decisions on the spur of the moment or by posing?
“I’m both. It’s quite strange, but it depends.
On the decision to be made or the context?
“At work, I’m more of a reflective person. Privately, I’m more impulsive. I’m bivalent, two-headed.
What’s the most important thing your career has taught you about yourself?
“That I can learn a lot in a short time. I can concentrate very well when I need to. I’m interested in a lot of subjects and I’m able to absorb a lot of information and make links between topics. I didn’t know that about myself before.
I live in the present. The past can no longer be changed and the future depends on the present.
What advice would you give to the young woman you were at 20?
“‘Keep your eyes wide open to the world, to all the opportunities it offers, and take the time to think about your place in this complex world.’ Self-reflection is essential. I didn’t do it when I was a student. It’s a bit of a shame because you lose a bit of depth. It’s good to have fun. But you also have to learn to reflect on yourself. It’s become a daily ritual. Every evening I go through the film of the past day.
What would this young woman think of the person you’ve become?
“She’d say: ‘She’s not too bad that one, it’s okay.’ [smile]
If you could relive one moment from your journey, which would you choose?
“When I first walked through the door of the Berlaymont in Brussels with my Commission badge. It was a beautiful moment. A very beautiful moment.
What did you feel that day?
“A certain pride. A feeling of belonging to a great ‘machine’ working for the European project, to which I fully subscribe.
If your career had a book, film or song title?
“‘Present Tense’, by the band Radiohead. Because I live in the present. The past cannot be changed and the future depends on the present. The better you live in the present, the better the future will be. So never any regrets.”
To read or re-read all the episodes in the #Trajectory series, go here.
