Recent developments in both internal and external competitions highlight growing pressure on the system and raise important questions about its capacity, reliability and fairness.
While some progress has been made, particularly with the launch of the AD7 internal competition, many of the structural challenges previously identified remain unresolved. At the same time, it is important to underline that AST/SC colleagues still do not have access to AD competitions, meaning that the move towards inclusiveness remains partial and that significant gaps persist.
A system already under strain
As highlighted in earlier Generation 2004 articles, internal competitions have been characterised by delays, limited inclusiveness and a growing gap between planning and delivery.
The latest planning for internal competitions was updated in December. However, there is still no clear indication of when the remaining competitions will take place, nor how the overall timeline will unfold.
As a result, colleagues are left in the dark, with limited ability to plan their careers or prepare for upcoming opportunities.
External competitions: from paralysis to overload
The situation is even more striking on the external side.
Following a period of paralysis in EPSO competitions, linked to changes in systems and contractors, the system is now facing an entirely different challenge.
For the 2026 AD5 Graduate competition, European Personnel Selection Office announced that the call closed with more than 170,000 applications, far exceeding expectations.
This represents a scale shift that raises serious concerns about the system’s ability to deliver competitions in a stable and reliable manner.
Given the technical issues already reported in previous competitions, the risk of disruption cannot be ignored.
Administrative burden: a system that works against candidates
Beyond the structure of competitions themselves, colleagues are also facing increasing administrative burdens, particularly through the Single Candidate Portal.
Candidates are required to re-upload and re-enter extensive information, including proof of experience and educational diplomas, even where this data already exists within institutional systems.
The portal itself remains user-unfriendly, requiring candidates to select from predefined categories that do not always reflect their actual qualifications.
In addition, the lack of integration with systems such as Sysper leads to duplication of effort and unnecessary workload.
At a time when the institution is focusing on simplification, such complexity appears difficult to justify.
A system in transition, but not yet stable
Taken together, these developments point to a system that is evolving, but not yet fully operational.
Internal competitions are being redesigned. External competitions are facing unprecedented demand. Administrative tools are still catching up.
The success of the reform will depend not only on its ambition, but on its execution in practice.
Supporting candidates: upcoming webinar
In this context, Generation 2004 continues to support colleagues preparing for competitions.
Together with Yasemos Europeos, we will organise a dedicated webinar on the internal AD7 competition, focusing on the new format and preparation strategies.
The webinar will take place on Friday, 17 April at lunchtime, providing a timely opportunity for colleagues to better prepare.
Further details will follow shortly.
Conclusion
Competitions are a key pillar of career development and institutional renewal. However, the current situation highlights a system that remains under pressure. This is particularly important in the context of the ongoing large-scale review of the Commission. While not limited to career matters, this review is highly relevant for staff and for the future attractiveness of the institution, including its ambition to become more modern and “agile”. Without a reliable competitions system, these objectives risk remaining difficult to achieve in practice.
Delays, lack of planning clarity, technical risks and administrative burdens all point to the need for a more robust, transparent and user-friendly approach.
Generation 2004 will continue to advocate for a competitions system that delivers not only on ambition, but also on reliability and fairness in practice.