Welcome to the fifth edition of our Newsletter!
This month’s edition focuses on the evolving challenges surrounding recruitment, career development and talent management across the European institutions.
We examine the recent postponement of the EPSO/AST/157/25 reserve list and the uncertainty it creates for candidates and services alike, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from the introduction of cognitive testing in the latest AD7 internal competition.
Beyond technical issues, we explore broader questions regarding the fairness and relevance of current selection methods, the recognition of professional experience, and the coherence of the Commission’s approach to internal competitions, particularly in relation to the continued exclusion of many experienced AST colleagues from specialist career opportunities. We also address unequal access to CAST procedures and examine the practical realities of career progression for Contract Agents, highlighting the gap that often exists between the opportunities available on paper and those accessible in practice.
At the same time, we continue to follow developments affecting the working conditions of staff in an increasingly digital workplace. We analyse the Commission’s draft Decision that requires all staff to provide their private mobile to be contacted during their rest time, together with the growing use of private mobile devices for professional purposes, including authentication for Ares. While recognising the institution’s legitimate operational and security needs, we continue to advocate for appropriate safeguards that protect privacy, legal certainty and the right to disconnect.
Staff wellbeing, respect in the workplace and institutional responsibility also feature prominently in this edition. We examine the results of the 2025 Respect, diversity and inclusion Survey and take a closer look at the implementation of the Commission’s new anti-harassment policy, reflecting on both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in ensuring effective protection for colleagues. Alongside these topics, we publish a broader reflection on the limits of administrative discretion, exploring fundamental questions of legal certainty, due process and the Rule of Law within the European institutions. We also revisit the Commission’s office-space strategy following the sale of 23 buildings, examining the importance of transparency, sound financial management and long-term planning as the project enters its implementation phase.
We continue to provide practical guidance for colleagues by explaining key aspects of the EU pension scheme and retirement rules, while also drawing attention to the exclusion of Luxembourg-based staff from the Family Budget Survey and the implications this may have for the calculation of correction coefficients and the assessment of the real cost of living.
We held two meetings with our members, including a breakfast event for members interested in learning more about the organisation and its activities, and an online lunchtime meeting focusing on the Large Scale Review, internal competitions, buildings closures, teleworking, the revision of the sick leave rules and recent initiatives to strengthen anti-harassment procedures.
Finally, if you missed the conference on the AD5 internal competition with Ya Semos Europeos, you can now access the presentations and the recordings.
That’s all for now!
Enjoy the reading and do not hesitate to get in touch if you believe we can help.
