When Experience Is Not Enough: What Internal Competitions Tell Us About Talent Management

The European Commission frequently speaks about talent management, competencies, lifelong learning and the need to build a more modern and agile administration. These themes have become increasingly prominent in discussions surrounding the Large-Scale Review and the future of the European civil service. 

At the heart of these discussions lies a simple idea: institutions should be able to identify, develop, and retain talent wherever it exists. 

Yet recent feedback received by Generation 2004 raises an important question: does the current system of internal competitions truly recognise professional experience and demonstrated competence, or does it still rely too heavily on formal labels and rigid eligibility criteria? 

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Internal Competitions: Is the Commission Really Using Its Internal Talent?  

The launch of the recent AD6 and AD7 internal competitions has once again highlighted a long-standing inconsistency in the Commission’s approach to career development. 

While temporary agents remain broadly eligible, many AST officials continue to be excluded from specialist competitions despite performing equivalent duties and often possessing extensive institutional experience. Similarly, Contract Agents face consequences of regulatory restrictions, despite the recently published and awaited AD completion in which FG IV could participate.  

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Cognitive Tests, Technical Problems and Candidate Concerns: Lessons from the AD7 Competition  

The recent AD7 internal competition introduced a new cognitive assessment based on the SHL General Ability Test. 

While innovation in selection methods is not inherently problematic, the feedback received from candidates raises important questions about both the implementation of the test and its relevance for assessing experienced officials. 

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Respect@work = Zero-tolerance culture for harassment

A respectful workplace is where integrity, fairness, collaboration, professionalism and trust are the norm. It involves treating colleagues with dignity, fairness, and kindness, creating a safe environment where everyone feels valued and comfortable, regardless of background or position.  

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From trainees to staff: a continuous and equal access to CAST for The Commission colleagues

Different practices among the Commission

Generation 2004 has recently been contacted by colleagues regarding their concerns over differing practices across Commission services concerning invitations to CAST selection procedures. 

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Why does not spending in Luxembourg counts

Spending behaviour patterns for EU staff in Belgium is used for calculating the ‘JBLI COEFFICIENT ‘, while 20% of staff lives in Luxembourg. 

The 2026 Family Budget Survey, one of the important components for calculating the correction coefficients, was launched on the 11th of March for staff living in Belgium. Unfortunately, spending habits of staff in Luxembourg, who also have the 100% coefficient (=Brussels), is not considered for this exercise, as the bilateral parities are only calculated with reference to Brussels (Article 1(1) of Annex XI to the staff regulations).  

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Coming soon: Commission Decision will allow staff to be contacted during disconnection period in their private mobile phones

As explained in our  previous articles, the Commission is preparing a Decision that requires all staff to provide their private mobile to be contacted during their rest time.  

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