On 1 July 2026, the General Court delivered its judgment in Case T-415/25, KH v European Commission, annulling the Commission’s decision to exclude a temporary agent from an internal competition after he was unable to attend the oral examination because of certified sick leave.
Internal Competitions
Free conference: AST3 internal competition – 10 July 2026
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to a free info session for the AST3 internal competition. You will get tips and tricks on how to fill in the application, as well as advice on how to tackle the different parts of the exam. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the conference.
Continue reading Free conference: AST3 internal competition – 10 July 2026
Generation 2004 lunchtime meeting: key updates
*Update 30.06.2026: you can find here the presentation and the recording of the meeting*
On 26 June, Generation 2004 held an online lunchtime meeting to update members on key staff issues, followed by a Q&A session.
The meeting focused on the Commission’s Large-Scale Review, with Generation 2004 stressing that any reforms must respect the staff regulations, protect careers and be based on genuine social dialogue.
Continue reading Generation 2004 lunchtime meeting: key updates
When Experience Is Not Enough: What Internal Competitions Tell Us About Talent Management
The European Commission frequently speaks about talent management, competencies, lifelong learning and the need to build a more modern and agile administration. These themes have become increasingly prominent in discussions surrounding the Large-Scale Review and the future of the European civil service.
At the heart of these discussions lies a simple idea: institutions should be able to identify, develop, and retain talent wherever it exists.
Yet recent feedback received by Generation 2004 raises an important question: does the current system of internal competitions truly recognise professional experience and demonstrated competence, or does it still rely too heavily on formal labels and rigid eligibility criteria?
Internal Competitions: Is the Commission Really Using Its Internal Talent?
The launch of the recent AD6 and AD7 internal competitions has once again highlighted a long-standing inconsistency in the Commission’s approach to career development.
While temporary agents remain broadly eligible, many AST officials continue to be excluded from specialist competitions despite performing equivalent duties and often possessing extensive institutional experience. Similarly, Contract Agents face consequences of regulatory restrictions, despite the recently published and awaited AD completion in which FG IV could participate.
Continue reading Internal Competitions: Is the Commission Really Using Its Internal Talent?
Cognitive Tests, Technical Problems and Candidate Concerns: Lessons from the AD7 Competition
The recent AD7 internal competition introduced a new cognitive assessment based on the SHL General Ability Test.
While innovation in selection methods is not inherently problematic, the feedback received from candidates raises important questions about both the implementation of the test and its relevance for assessing experienced officials.
Generation 2004 Breakfast Meeting Focuses on Key Workplace Issues
On 15 June, Generation 2004 hosted a breakfast meeting for its members and colleagues interested in learning more about the organisation and its activities. The event provided an opportunity to exchange views, strengthen professional networks, and discuss key issues currently affecting staff in the European institutions.
Continue reading Generation 2004 Breakfast Meeting Focuses on Key Workplace Issues
Training offer: Internal Competitions 2026 – Study Group on MCQ + Written Test (EN)
*Update 29.06.2026: all places in this study group have been filled. Registration is therefore closed and register link and the corresponding discount codes are no longer available.*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to an online study group with follow-up sessions focused on the internal competition tests, including the MCQ test on EU policies and institutions and the Written Test, with a special discount rate for our members.
The training is suitable for candidates preparing for both the AD7 COM/AD/107/2026 and AD5 COM/AD/108/2026 competitions. The programme is delivered in English, and all sessions will be recorded.
Please note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, as the number of places is limited.
Continue reading Training offer: Internal Competitions 2026 – Study Group on MCQ + Written Test (EN)
Training offer: AD5 internal competition – Study group for cognitive reasoning
*Update 24.06.2026: all places in this study group have been filled. Registration is therefore closed and register links and the corresponding discount codes are no longer available.*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you online training with a Study group for cognitive reasoning (numerical, deductive and inductive) test for the COM AD5 Internal competition. There is a special discount rate for our members ONLY and registrations are made on “first come first served basis”.
Continue reading Training offer: AD5 internal competition – Study group for cognitive reasoning
Free conference: AD5 internal competition – 12 June 2026
*Update 15.06.2026: you can find here the presentation and the recording of the info session*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to a free info session for the AD5 internal competition. You will get tips and tricks on how to fill in the application, as well as advice on how to tackle the different parts of the exam. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the conference.
Continue reading Free conference: AD5 internal competition – 12 June 2026
