On 25 March 2025, Generation 2004 External Action Service (EEAS) section hosted a conference addressing the pressing challenges within the European Schools (ESS) system. The event witnessed robust participation, with a full room of colleagues and approximately 30-35 online attendees from the EEAS and the European Commission, all deeply engaged in discussions about the future of our children’s education. Continue reading Urgent Call for Reform in European Schools
European Schools
Upcoming Conference: Challenges in European Schools – 25 March 2025
*Upddate 26.03.2025 please check our summary of this event.*
Original article: Are you concerned about the European Schools system and the challenges it presents for families? Join Generation 2004 – EEAS Section on 25 March (12:30–13:30, hybrid format) for an open discussion on key issues, including long commuting times, teacher shortages, high costs, limited language choice, and inadequate psychological support.
Continue reading Upcoming Conference: Challenges in European Schools – 25 March 2025
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Schooling in Belgium
Disclaimer: “The information presented in this article is based on insights gathered from various social media groups, discussions, and testimonies shared by Brussels-baised colleagues. While we strive to provide accurate and relevant details, we are committed to preserving confidentiality and protecting the privacy of individuals involved.
Continue reading Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Schooling in Belgium
Protecting Our Children’s Mental Health: Urgent Reforms Needed in European Schools
The mental health and well-being of children in European Schools (ESS) should be a top priority for the European Schools as well as for the European institutions. Nevertheless, many parents within our community have raised serious concerns about the lack of psychological support, insufficient supervision, and how the system fails to address emotional distress among students. Continue reading Protecting Our Children’s Mental Health: Urgent Reforms Needed in European Schools
Special leave for parents’ representatives in European Schools
Parents’ representatives devote a considerable amount of time for the benefit of the European Schools in general and our children in particular, covering aspects that do not require continuous intervention of parents in national schools (e.g. transport, canteen, representation in the Education Council and in the coordination bodies…). Continue reading Special leave for parents’ representatives in European Schools
Brussels European Schools: locally recruited teachers on strike
Generation 2004 has sadly learned that locally recruited teachers plan a series of partial strikes at several dates in February, including a march to the Office of the Secretary General. If their demands are not met they plan an all day strike on 1st April. While we realise the negative impact to parents and children of this action, we can only sympathize with these teachers, who find themselves in a legal void making their jobs and lives a constant struggle. Continue reading Brussels European Schools: locally recruited teachers on strike
Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce?
The Backbone of European Schools—Without the Rights. Locally Recruited Teachers (LRTs) play a vital role in the European Schools, ensuring high-quality education for thousands of children. Yet, despite their significant contributions, they face unstable working conditions, unfair contract terms, and a lack of representation – challenges that have been ignored for far too long. Continue reading Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce?
European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels
The Commission has started a new path to create options for those with children in European Schools (ESS) and, given the structural overcrowding of the four in Brussels, it starts there. In its announcement, the Commission informs of a new agreement allowing children free schooling at the Accredited European School Brussels-Argenteuil in Waterloo, valid from school year 2025/26 onwards in the EN and FR sections. Continue reading European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels
Another episode in the Evere European school saga
Not all colleagues have children enrolled in the Evere site of Brussels European School II, but for those who have, news are never enough. Evere was set in temporary facilities until a fully-fledged school would be constructed. While the temporary facilities are not perfect, they provide enough quality for children and education. Continue reading Another episode in the Evere European school saga
Brussels European Schools – problems and solutions
It is becoming a norm that the Belgian authorities do not provide timely official information in writing about European Schools. Nevertheless, the Secretary General of the European Schools has confirmed it orally: the 5th school[*] in Neder-Over-Heembeek won’t be available in 2028 as originally planned, but in late 2030. Continue reading Brussels European Schools – problems and solutions
