Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is offering online trainings to assist you in preparing for the Certification Interviews. The training is in EN, the registrations are on a “first come first served” basis and there is a special rate for all colleagues who want to register. Additionaly to the below training offer, here is a free video. Continue reading Training offer: AST – Certification interview
Certification
Certification: Free conference
**Update 02.10.2025: check our training offer for AST Certifiction interview (limited spots) *Update 30.09.2025 : Here are the presentation and the recording. The deadline for applications to the certification process of this year is Monday 29th September at 23:59 (Brussels time). For the Commission there will be a maximum of 50 AST 5 (step 2 and higher) colleagues who will have the chance to be selected to potentially join the AD function group after intensive training and examinations. Continue reading Certification: Free conference
Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?
*Update 26.08.2025 the updated time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*
Original article: Opportunities Announced, But Do They Truly Deliver? The European Commission has announced its internal competitions planning for 2025-2027, introducing more frequent competitions and cross-category mobility up to AD10. This appears to be a positive development at first glance, but a deeper analysis of eligibility criteria and staff demographics raises serious concerns about how inclusive and effective these competitions will be in addressing long-standing career progression issues. Continue reading Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?
Assistants (ASTs) FAQs
*Update 23.09.2025: It’s now official: 50 AST/SCs are to have the (mis)fortune of doing an AST post without the corresponding AST promotion speed or career potential. Check the Draft 2026 Commission budget: ’50 posts in the function group AST may be occupied by officials and temporary staff in the AST/SC function group to reflect the gradual phase-in of the AST/SC function group.’ (p. 955, footnote 1). While the Commission as a whole is set to lose 24 posts, the AST function group is to lose 121 (leaving 4398 permanent staff). No other function group is to decrease in size.*
*Update 26.08.2025 the updated internal competitions time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*
Secretaries and Clerks (AST/SC) FAQs
*Update 23.09.2025: It’s now official: 50 AST/SCs are to have the (mis)fortune of doing an AST post without the corresponding AST promotion speed or career potential. Check the Draft 2026 Commission budget: ’50 posts in the function group AST may be occupied by officials and temporary staff in the AST/SC function group to reflect the gradual phase-in of the AST/SC function group.’ (p. 955, footnote 1). While the Commission as a whole is set to lose 24 posts, the AST function group is to lose 121 (leaving 4398 permanent staff). No other function group is to decrease in size.*
*Update 26.08.2025 the updated internal competitions time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*
Original article: We will add the presentation from our February 2025 event here and below you’ll find an extended version of a frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the questions asked there. Continue reading Secretaries and Clerks (AST/SC) FAQs
ASTs and AST/SCs: promised change: conference
*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not otherwise skewed to reduce participation.* Continue reading ASTs and AST/SCs: promised change: conference
Certification: beware deadlines!
*Update 04.03.2025: we’re disappointed but not surprised at the poor results of the 2023/2024 certification exercise: 22 out of 78 colleagues passed all exams first time. Only 1 out of 7 in the French class.*
*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) Continue reading Certification: beware deadlines!
AST & AST-SC staff: ECA Report Highlights Long-Standing Career Challenges
*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not otherwise skewed to reduce participation.* Continue reading AST & AST-SC staff: ECA Report Highlights Long-Standing Career Challenges
ASTs: exploited and forgotten or given a future?
*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not otherwise skewed to reduce participation. Participation in these competitions can be done in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading ASTs: exploited and forgotten or given a future?
Certification 2024/25: and so it begins!
*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not otherwise skewed to reduce participation. Participation in these competitions can be done in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading Certification 2024/25: and so it begins!
