The publication of the internal AD7 competition is more than just another call for applications. For many colleagues, it represents something much bigger: a long-overdue opening of real career opportunities.
For Generation 2004, this is not a coincidence. It is the result of years of sustained advocacy to make internal competitions more inclusive and to break down rigid barriers between staff categories.
From closed doors to new opportunities
For too long, access to internal competitions has been shaped by strict function group boundaries. The official response was often the same: AST colleagues could rely on the certification procedure.
But in reality, that pathway has proven too limited. Highly selective and restricted in scope, it simply did not provide a realistic solution for many colleagues seeking career progression.
The introduction of cross-category access in the AD7 competition changes that dynamic. It opens doors that, for many, had remained closed for years.
A return to something that already worked
What makes this development even more striking is that it is not entirely new.
Back in 2008, competition COM/INT/EU10/08/AD5 already allowed broader access across staff categories. But instead of building on that model, the system moved in the opposite direction, reinstating rigid boundaries.
Nearly 20 years later, we are finally seeing a return to a more open approach. That alone says a lot about how persistent these structural barriers have been.
This shift also reflects recommendations from the European Court of Auditors, which has repeatedly called for more flexible and inclusive career pathways within the institutions.
For some, a first real chance
For colleagues who have spent 15 to 20 years in the institution, this is not just another competition, it is, quite simply, the first real opportunity to apply beyond their function group.
Even where applications are limited to the same grade, the change matters. It may not always mean an immediate promotion, but it offers something that was missing before: a genuine chance to compete.
Compared to the certification procedure, this is a more accessible and realistic pathway, especially for those who have long been waiting for such an opening.
Progress built over time
This step forward did not happen overnight.
Generation 2004 has consistently pushed for more inclusive competitions, including broader access for AST/SC colleagues. Those earlier efforts helped pave the way for what we are seeing today.
The AD7 competition shows that change is possible, and that persistence matters.
Get ready: dedicated webinar for candidates
To help colleagues navigate this new competition, Generation 2004 is organising a dedicated webinar focused on the AD7 competition.
Together with Yasemos Europeos, we will walk through the format, expectations and practical preparation strategies.
Friday, 17 April at lunchtime
Join here
If you are considering applying, this is a great opportunity to get clarity and prepare effectively.
A real step forward, with more to come
This competition marks real progress, but it is not the end of the journey.
Opening access is one thing. Ensuring that this becomes the norm across competitions, categories and years is the next challenge.
For now, one thing is clear: after years of discussion, the system has finally moved. And for many colleagues, that movement matters.
