Editorial

Newsletter editorial – 27-10-2026

27/10/2026Editorial, Newsletter-2026-10-27

Dear members and readers,

Welcome to the 9th edition of our 2026 newsletter!

We are pleased to share with you a new selection of articles published on the Generation 2004 website, covering a range of important developments and practical information for colleagues across the institutions.

In this edition, we look at In this edition, we look at the negotiations on the next EU budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, a General Court Case where the General Court dismissed an action brough by a candidate who faced difficulties during a remote written examination, the European BAC rule, an issue of direct relevance to many staff and families navigating the European Schools system. We also report on the latest social dialogue on JPP, highlighting ongoing discussions that matter for colleagues concerned by career perspectives, fairness and transparency in employment conditions.

Among the topics featured, we draw attention to a meeting on the Staff-Scale Review between staff organisations and Commissioner Serafin in September, with updates of particular interest to staff following legal, administrative or staff representation matters. We also cover the question of the interim contract, an area that continues to raise concern for many colleagues seeking clarity and stability in their professional situation.

This newsletter also includes an article on EU staff formerly employed in the Romanian administration, addressing a topic that may resonate strongly with affected colleagues and those interested in equal treatment and recognition of previous professional experience.

For those preparing for competitions, we are pleased to highlight the EPSO metro exam simulations, a useful opportunity to train under realistic conditions and improve readiness for forthcoming selection procedures. Finally, we share information on a scholarship offer from EIMF, which may be of interest to colleagues looking to broaden their academic or professional development opportunities.

As always, Generation 2004 remains committed to informing, supporting and representing staff by bringing attention to the issues that affect daily working life and long-term career prospects in the EU institutions.

We invite you to read, share and engage with these articles on our website.

Kind regards,

Generation 2004

Newsletter editorial – 29-05-2026

29/05/2026Editorial, Newsletter-2026-05-29

Welcome to the fourth edition of our Newsletter!
This month’s edition reflects a growing sense of transition across the European institutions. A major focus of this edition is the evolving landscape of EPSO competitions and internal career progression. We take a detailed look at the new cognitive testing introduced in the AD7 internal competition and provide practical guidance through a dedicated legal overview of complaints procedures, administrative queries and available legal remedies. We also analyse the recent technical difficulties surrounding EPSO’s AD7 Data Management competition, with wider implications of the new TAO testing platform, and take a look at growing concerns regarding the coherence of the Commission’s internal competitions strategy, following the publication of COM/AD/106/2026 and the exclusion of AST colleagues from certain career opportunities despite their operational experience.
At the same time, we continue following developments linked to the Large-Scale Review and the future of non-permanent staff within the institutions. In this context, we express our support for the Contract Agents’ collective petition and discuss key issues affecting contract agents.
In parallel, we address the growing economic pressure affecting staff. Following recent social dialogue discussions with DG HR on the energy crisis, we explore the consequences of rising energy and transport costs, but also the potentially longer-term effects on food prices, household purchasing power and living conditions for colleagues across different staff categories. We continue to advocate for pragmatic flexibility measures and targeted support where necessary.
Staff wellbeing and institutional responsibility are also central themes this month. We raise concerns regarding the gradual externalisation of preventive healthcare services and the future role of the Medical Service. In parallel, we publish a strong reflection on IDOC procedures and due process guarantees, examining broader questions of fairness, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights within administrative investigations.
For colleagues based in Luxembourg, we also provide practical guidance on acquiring Luxembourgish nationality and the potential implications for expatriation and foreign residence allowances.

Last but not least, do not miss our conference on reclassification and promotion appeals, taking place at lunchtime on 11 June, as well as our trainings (EPSO AD7 Audit self-study exam packages and study group, and AD7 internal competition SHL G+ exam packages).

That’s all for now!

Enjoy the reading and do not hesitate to get in touch if you believe we can help.

Newsletter editorial – 17-04-2026

17/04/2026Editorial, Newsletter-2026-04-17

Welcome to the third spring edition of our Newsletter!
This edition comes at a pivotal moment for the future of the Commission, as discussions on the Large-Scale Review (LSR) begin to take shape. We cover key takeaways from our meeting with Catherine Day and what it means for the future of staff. We also examine the growing pressure on both internal and external competitions – highlighting delays, administrative burdens and capacity challenges that raise important questions about the system’s reliability and fairness – while taking a closer look at the newly published AD7 internal competition as a long-awaited step forward. We also address the the increasing cost of living and working faced by EU staff and the dismissal of local agents in delegations, raising serious concerns about transparency, social dialogue, and the human impact of these decisions.
You will find an article on the situation in the European Schools, where administrative choices are creating inefficiencies and frustration for parents and teachers alike.
Have a look at the two articles written in collaboration with two of our members – a powerful testimony that further illustrates the human cost of rigid procedures, and a concerning PMO case on educational allowances, highlighting issues of transparency, fairness, and the real impact that administrative shortcomings can have on colleagues and their families.
In addition, we take a look at the grades and steps system for Contract Agents, and examine challenges related to the new mobility policy and its implementation in practice.
Don’t miss today’s conference with Yasemos Europeos on the AD7 internal competition.
Looking ahead, please find available the self-study packages for the EPSO AD7 competition for Data management and data knowledge. A study group 5 as well as self-study modules for the EPSO AD5 Generalists/Graduates competition on the Reasoning tests, the MCQ on EU knowledge, the EUFTE and the digital skills test are also offered in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos. Finally, you can watch the recording of our Q&A session on the EPSO AD5 competition for Generalists/Graduates.

That’s all for now!

Enjoy the reading and get in touch if you believe we can help!

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