Generation 2004 as a staff association (OSP) has as its mission to ensure that the voices of all staff are heard and translated into meaningful action. Recent general staff surveys together with the EEAS staff surveys have provided valuable insights into areas where the administration has made strides and where further improvements are strongly needed.
EEAS
EEAS: Mobility within the EEAS: Time for Transparency and Adherence to Guidelines
Mobility within the European External Action Service (EEAS) is governed by two administrative decisions on the organisation of an annual internal mobility exercise (ADMIN(2015)14, Ref. Ares(2015)1451726) and implementing
guidelines Ref. (ARES(2024)2219672) that outline the legal framework and set clear guidelines for the mobility process.
Continue reading EEAS: Mobility within the EEAS: Time for Transparency and Adherence to Guidelines
EEAS: Improving the Promotion/reclassification System
The yearly promotion/reclassification exercise within the European External Action Service (EEAS) is a crucial moment for all staff, whether officials, or non-permanent staff as it directly impacts career development and recognition of merit. The final lists for the 2024 exercises were published 07.11.2024. However, Generation 2004 has observed persistent concerns regarding the lack of transparency, predictability, and security in the current promotion system. We have made similar obervations about the promotions/reclassifications system in the Commission[1].
Continue reading EEAS: Improving the Promotion/reclassification System
Duty Calls: Navigating the Challenges of Standby Duty at EEAS
Standby duty sounds straightforward enough — a formal, organised service, available to respond to well-defined emergencies within a specific timeframe. But for many staff, including those in the External Action Service (EEAS), the reality is far from simple. Theoretically, within the EEAS at least, those colleagues on standby duty have access to designated Duty Phones—reliable devices meant to keep them connected during emergencies.
Continue reading Duty Calls: Navigating the Challenges of Standby Duty at EEAS
The shark attack! Place of origin losses
In the past few months, Generation 2004 published several articles on the Court of Justice’s April 2024 judgement on the place of origin. The issue contested was the 2014 staff regulations reform which moved all places of origin located outside the EU to the capital city of the staff Member State. The colleagues won their case, reinstating the real place of origin. We provided an analysis on repercussions on staff and mentioned that Generation 2004 was in close contact with the administration to mitigate as much as possible the negative effects of the judgement that has negatively affected approximately 300 colleagues. Continue reading The shark attack! Place of origin losses
The practices must change – Standby duty & use of private phones for business purposes in Delegations
After we exposed that the European Commission was infringing data protection law, many colleagues, particularly in Delegations, contacted us to share their experiences. They were not only ‘encouraged’ to use their private mobile phones for work purposes, also their standby duty tasks were going too far. Continue reading The practices must change – Standby duty & use of private phones for business purposes in Delegations
Conference on standby duty and use of private phones for work purposes in Delegations April 2024
Generation 2004 is here for you, regardless of where you are! We would like to invite you to our virtual meeting to discuss standby duty and the use of private phones for work in Delegations. Please participate in any of our three sessions on Monday 22.04.2024. See practical details further below. Check out our corresponding articles and get your questions ready! Continue reading Conference on standby duty and use of private phones for work purposes in Delegations April 2024
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?
Flash report on the Local Agents’ Provident Fund
The pension benefits system for local staff in Delegations (Provident Fund for Local Agents (‘PFLA‘)) has lost over 5% of its value. This means that the amount of money local agents (LA) receive at the end of their career (through employer and employee contributions) is falling. Continue reading Flash report on the Local Agents’ Provident Fund
Generation 2004 meets staff in EU Delegations 24.10.2023
*Update 27.10.2023. Please find the presentation on Mobility for CA in delegations and the Decision on Working Time and Time Management, shared with you during the session on 24.10.2023. Generation 2004 is here for you, regardless of where you are! We would like to invite you to our virtual meeting to discuss all matters Delegations on Tuesday 24.10.2023. Please participate in any of our three conferences: 9:00–10:30, 12:30-14:00 or 18:00-19:30 (all times are CEST/Brussels time). See practical details further below). Check out our corresponding EEAS and Outside the Union articles and get your questions ready! Continue reading Generation 2004 meets staff in EU Delegations 24.10.2023
