Now that the 2 work groups for AD5 Translators competitions already scheduled are fully booked, we are still receiving great training demand for the EPSO/AD/414-421/24 AD5 Translators competition in 8 languages. With only 1 week ahead until the first exam, we decided with our training consultant Yasemos to provide self-study exam packages for practising the different tests for those who couldnot join the work groups. Continue reading Additional Training Offer : EPSO competitions AD5 Translators
EPSO
EPSO’s Path to Recovery: A New Era for EU Competitions?
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is undergoing its most radical transformation yet, introducing a new model aimed at better respond[ing] to the evolving needs of the EU institutions and the realities of today’s labour market. Following sustained criticism (including from the Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor) – ranging from outdated IT infrastructure, lack of transparency to excessive delays in competitions – EPSO is implementing a revamped selection process known as EPSOlution. May 2025 will be the end of the five-year roadmap set out in the EPSO magement plan. Continue reading EPSO’s Path to Recovery: A New Era for EU Competitions?
The Lifeboats Are Full: EPSO Hands Recruitment to the Old Guard
The
European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is undergoing its most radical transformation yet. The once-centralised recruitment body is officially splitting selection from recruitment, handing over the recruitment process to institutional HR services. This marks the full deployment of the new EPSO model, which removes EPSO’s role in recruitment and transfers hiring decisions to a new expert pool under the Commission’s control. Is this really the best way to address the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors, 2020, Special Report 23/2020: The European Personnel Selection Office: Time to adapt the selection process to changing recruitment needs? Continue reading The Lifeboats Are Full: EPSO Hands Recruitment to the Old Guard
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?
Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff
*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 Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff
EPSO’s Chronic Ineptitude – Ombudsman Exposes Systemic Failures
*Update 10.11.2024 the European Court of Auditors, Special report 24/2024: EU Civil service–A flexible employment framework, insufficiently used to improve workforce management, 2024 coincides with many of the issues we have pointed out below. Check it out!* Continue reading EPSO’s Chronic Ineptitude – Ombudsman Exposes Systemic Failures
Are we testing competences or IT setup?
*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. This can run in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading Are we testing competences or IT setup?
Echoes of unhappiness
*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!*
Internal competitions – Progress for some, barrier for others
*Update 11.04.2024 the AST competition to be made open to AST-SC colleagues was finally published in February, some 3 months behind the original planning*
Original article: Equal opportunities but not for all. When individuals embark on a career within the European Commission, they hold legitimate expectations of progression and growth, regardless of their staff category. Whether one is a permanent official, a temporary employee, or a contract agent, the belief in opportunities for professional development is inherent. Continue reading Internal competitions – Progress for some, barrier for others
Internal competitions – but for whom?
*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 Internal competitions – but for whom?
