The Personal Security Clearance (PSC), also known as vetting procedure, is the systematic process of investigating a person’s background to determine their reliability and trustworthiness to be granted access to European Union classified information (EUCI). PSC safeguards the Institution from threats such as espionage, leaks, fraud, disruption and data breaches.
Hidden opportunities for AST/SC colleagues in the 2027 Delegation rotation
The publication of the 2027 EU Delegation rotation exercise has once again generated excitement among colleagues dreaming of an international career. Working in an EU Delegation offers unique professional and personal opportunities, and every year many officials eagerly await the publication of the available posts.
Unfortunately, for many AST/SC colleagues, that excitement may have ended almost as soon as it began. Continue reading Hidden opportunities for AST/SC colleagues in the 2027 Delegation rotation
Training offer: AD5 and AST3 internal competitions – Study group 2 (EN) for cognitive reasoning test
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you online training with a Study group 2 for cognitive reasoning (numerical, deductive and inductive) test for the COM AD5 and the COM AST3 Internal competition. There is a special discount rate for our members ONLY and registrations are made on “first come first served basis”.
Training offer: internal competitions – Self Study Written test (EN)
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you self-study training for the written test for internal competitions, for candidates to prepare at their own pace. There is a special discount rate for our members ONLY.
Continue reading Training offer: internal competitions – Self Study Written test (EN)
G2004-Supported Case Reinforces the EU Institutions’ Duty of Care Towards Staff Members
On 1 July 2026, the General Court delivered its judgment in Case T-415/25, KH v European Commission, annulling the Commission’s decision to exclude a temporary agent from an internal competition after he was unable to attend the oral examination because of certified sick leave.
Free conference: AST3 internal competition – 10 July 2026
*Update 13.07.2026: you can find here the recording of the info session*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to a free info session for the AST3 internal competition. You will get tips and tricks on how to fill in the application, as well as advice on how to tackle the different parts of the exam. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the conference.
Continue reading Free conference: AST3 internal competition – 10 July 2026
Generation 2004 lunchtime meeting: key updates
*Update 30.06.2026: you can find here the presentation and the recording of the meeting*
On 26 June, Generation 2004 held an online lunchtime meeting to update members on key staff issues, followed by a Q&A session.
The meeting focused on the Commission’s Large-Scale Review, with Generation 2004 stressing that any reforms must respect the staff regulations, protect careers and be based on genuine social dialogue.
Continue reading Generation 2004 lunchtime meeting: key updates
The €900 Million question: What we still don’t know about the Commission’s building sell-off
In our February article, The €900 million question: the Commission’s building sell-off and its consequences, Generation 2004 examined the Commission’s decision to sell 23 office buildings in Brussels for approximately €900 million and highlighted a number of questions regarding the long-term implications of this unprecedented real-estate transaction.
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?
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.
Continue reading Internal Competitions: Is the Commission Really Using Its Internal Talent?
