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
EEAS
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
EEAS: The Future of Local Agents in EU Delegations: A Growing Concern for Stability and Institutional Credibility
In recent months, a significant shift has been observed in the policy regarding the employment contracts of local agents working in over 140 EU Delegations worldwide. Generation 2004 observes that these colleagues, who have long played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of EU external representation, are now facing a precarious professional situation:
Continue reading EEAS: The Future of Local Agents in EU Delegations: A Growing Concern for Stability and Institutional Credibility
Teleworking from anywhere: A question of fairness and modernisation in the EU administration
An already-outdated policy in a new era of work? The need for teleworking change, especially within the External Action Service (EEAS) and Brussels (‘HQ’) rules. In a world where remote work has proven not only feasible but often preferable, the teleworking and teleworking from anywhere (TWA) policies remain a little too rigid and, to many, stuck in the past.
Navigating the rental market: A call for tenant protections and institutional support
Brussels, the heart of the European Union, welcomes thousands of newcomers every year: colleagues arriving to take up positions in the institutions. For many, across all Commission sites[1], securing a place to live is one of the first and most critical challenges they face[2]. However, navigating the complex rental system, understanding legal rights and obligations, and dealing with landlords who may not always act in good faith often turn what should be a straightforward process into a stressful and costly ordeal. Continue reading Navigating the rental market: A call for tenant protections and institutional support
EEAS: The Future of Housing in EU Delegations: A Call for Fair and Transparent Reform
The housing policy for EU Delegations has long been a critical element in ensuring the efficiency, well-being, and security of staff posted to more than 144 locations across the globe. However, recent discussions about a potential reform of the housing policy have raised serious concerns among colleagues, particularly regarding the motivations behind this review and its potential impact on staff morale, effectiveness, and living conditions. Continue reading EEAS: The Future of Housing in EU Delegations: A Call for Fair and Transparent Reform
EEAS: Performance Appraisals Exercise for 2025
***Update: you can find the presentation here.*** Friday, 24 January 2025, more than 60 colleagues joined Generation 2004 mini-conference during lunchtime to explore the topic of performance appraisals within the EEAS. The session provided valuable insights into the 2025 appraisal exercise, addressing both the written and unwritten rules of the Career Development Reviews (CDR). Continue reading EEAS: Performance Appraisals Exercise for 2025
EU Delegation restructuring: Have your say & sign now!
Generation 2004, together with US, TAO, R&D, is inviting all delegation colleagues to sign the petition addressed to High representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Síkela to pause the restructuring of EU Delegations until a full consultation with the staff representation takes place.
Continue reading EU Delegation restructuring: Have your say & sign now!
EEAS: Frozen diplomacy – When 17°C in some offices meets european bureaucracy
Imagine this: you’re walking through the halls of the EEAS Belmont building in Brussels. It’s a cold day—no surprise there. But this isn’t the sort of chill you expect from a brisk Brussels winter. No, this is a bone-rattling cold that makes you wish you had packed a sleeping bag, thermal socks, and perhaps a few extra layers of diplomacy…
Continue reading EEAS: Frozen diplomacy – When 17°C in some offices meets european bureaucracy
EEAS: Redefining the Head of Administration role in EU Delegations: A call for clear responsibilities and support
*Update 17.01.2025 the rumoured delegation closures are now also in the press.*
Original article: Generation 2004 EEAS section advocates for fair and realistic work conditions for colleagues in over 144 Delegations around the world. Those conditions must take account of the evolving responsibilities of all staff and roles. Among these, the Head of Administration (HoA) post in EU Delegations stands out as a unique role. Continue reading EEAS: Redefining the Head of Administration role in EU Delegations: A call for clear responsibilities and support
