Training offer: Study groups 4 EN+ES for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the fourth round  of online training in ES+EN for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in Spanish with materials and exercises available in English, and sessions will be recorded.

 

 

 

Continue reading Training offer: Study groups 4 EN+ES for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Surrender your mobile phone, it’s an order!

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

Our article, published in September 2025 triggered comments from the administration, claiming that they would prove us wrong by providing updated information. No information was provided, but we still acknowledged what could seem like an intention to correct course by the administration, by informing you in October 2025 of a possible update on the situation.  Continue reading Surrender your mobile phone, it’s an order!

Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave

Have you ever been on sick leave?
Most of you probably have at some point been ill during your time in the Commission. For some of you, the unpleasant experience of being ill, has been made worse by the related administrative process.
Everything relating to sick leave stems from art. 59 of the Staff Regulations, and its interpretation or creative development in the form of GIPs (General implementing provisions) by the administration.

The current version of the GIPs dates from 2004 and after over 20 years the time has come to update this document. For this reason, DG HR, Generation 2004 representatives and other trade unions have been meeting since last November to discuss the proposed changes.  

Continue reading Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave

Freedom of speech!?!

Good things come to those who wait – but not from DG HR. While the Central Staff Committee (CSC) could finally welcome colleagues from DG HR during its pre-Christmas-meeting to gift it with the long-sought-after clarification on freedom of speech for EU staff, the CSC didn’t learn anything that had not been known before. And what had raised doubts and questions before, continues to do so. 

Continue reading Freedom of speech!?!

Training offer: Study groups 3 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

*Update 16.02.2026: the study group 3 in Spanish is now full. Registration is therefore closed, and the registration links and corresponding discount codes are no longer available. If you are interested, please refer to Study group 4.*

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the third round of online training for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in English as well as in Spanish and sessions will be recorded.

Continue reading Training offer: Study groups 3 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Breaking the glass ceiling: structural barriers facing contract agents in internal competitions

*Update 16.02.26: See the latest DG HR reply under references*

Many Contract Agents see internal competitions within the European Commission as an opportunity for professional advancement and greater career stability. However, in practice, both regulatory (see also point 17a of CAs FAQ) and operational obstacles often limit the effectiveness of these competitions. Contract agents encounter structural constraints rooted in the staff regulations (CEOS) as well as practical difficulties related to recruitment outcomes and job availability. These challenges risk undermining both staff motivation and the Commission’s ability to retain experienced personnel. 

Continue reading Breaking the glass ceiling: structural barriers facing contract agents in internal competitions

Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2026?

*** Update – You can find the recording and the presentation here ***

The whole appraisal and promotion/reclassification processes can be a bit of a mystery. It’s not always clear how DGs choose who to reward, nor why some years appear to be better than others. There might be situations suggesting that some staff were less favoured.

What happens between now and the publication of the draft promotion/reclassification lists in June? And what happens between then and the publication of the final lists in November? 

For a clear reply on this and other related questions,  

Attend our event
Thursday, 5th February 2026 12.30-14.30  Continue reading Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2026?

Training offer: Study groups 2 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the second round of online training for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in English as well as in Spanish and sessions will be recorded.

 

Continue reading Training offer: Study groups 2 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates