*Update 09.10.2025 we see that the internal competitions to allow flexibility in terms of which language is used as the first language (see p.6 of the FAQs [1]).*
Original article: You asked, we acted! A number of colleagues got in touch with us to ask for our help with regards to the internal competitions [2]. Our colleagues met the artificially restrictive eligibility criteria [3], but the information listed in their sysper profiles did not reflect this. In each case our colleagues’ native language was listed second in sysper and English first. If these colleagues were to declare English as the language of their competition then they would be excluded since officially it’s already their first language.
Yes, for some colleagues finding themselves in this situation, a quick workaround might be to do the competition in the third language listed but, understandably, with competition fierce, many might be keen to avoid that.
‘Your language for this competition must be English, French or German, and must always be different from your main or first language as encoded in Sysper.’ (AST/SC2 [4], AST2 [5], AD6 [6], AD7 [7], AD9 [8], AD12 [9]).
Our colleagues tried to have their sysper details updated as per the competition frequently asked questions (FAQs [10]), without success. The incorrect response they received stated that the languages declared in the EPSO competition through which they were recruited were the languages encoded in sysper and unchangeable.
| Language | Sysper | To participate in the internal competition |
| 1 | English | Native language |
| 2 | Native language | English |
| 3 | French | French |
Doing everything possible to comply with the 22.12.2022 deadline, our colleagues asked for help. Well done for not giving up! We invite you all to check your own sysper profile in order to be ready for whatever life might throw at us competition-wise.
Application form/CV1 is a PDF of the EPSO information from your competition PLUS a scan of your original application form on entering the Commission. Check out the last page, question 16: mother tongue/other languages. Where the EPSO and application form languages do not match, it is the languages as listed on the application form which should be listed in your personal file in sysper. If this is not the case, please follow the FAQ (above) and get it updated! Let us know how [11] you get on. We’re here to help!
[12]
Interestingly, while the staff regulations (SR) make no reference to first/second language, they do mention a third (Article 45(2) [13]). The SR mentions no limitations to changing order of languages. Generation 2004 was unable to find any legal basis/guidelines/rules for being unable to change the languages as listed in sysper, even when providing the evidence required above.
‘… produces evidence of a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the Union and of a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Union to the extent necessary for the performance of his duties.’ (Article 28f [13])
As ever, if there is something that affects you and makes you think ‘that shouldn’t happen!’ then get in touch with us [11]. Generation 2004 will assist you with the information and the tools you need to enforce your rights, just as we did with colleagues being ‘volunteered’ for standby duty [14], those whose sensitive information was visible in applications for a new role [15], interim staff having access to training [16] and a colleague denied access to their own medical file [17].
As always, we would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us [11] or leave a comment below.
If you appreciate our work, please consider becoming a member of Generation 2004 [18].
[1] This new version of the complaint template references the 16.02.2023 [19] outcome of the EPSO case: The Court of Justice confirms the unlawfulness of two EPSO notices of competition restricting the choice of the second language to English, French or German. This is done for completeness only, version 1 of the complaint template is still good for anyone who used it.
Please note that EPSO is not the authority in internal competitions. The reference to EPSO in our template is to explain why colleagues might have a different language order in the EPSO application form and in the application form on entering the Commission.
Update 16.11.2023: Glossaire de termes servant a decrire le regime linguistique au sein de l’Union Europeenne [20]
Older updates
Update 14.07.2023: HR have responded that our template complaint is inadmissible. The issue is not with the languages shown in sysper being set in stone for officials, but rather with the notice of competition choosing to rely on that information. We are checking out the options. Note that Temporary Agents (TAs) were successful in modifying the order of languages shown in sysper.
22.02.2023, we have a new version [1] of our article 90 complaint template [21] for anyone who was unable to change the order of their languages in sysper: use it to challenge the refusal (this could be important for future competitions). You have up to 3 months submit the complaint, counting from the date of the refusal.