Outside the Union

Hidden opportunities for AST/SC colleagues in the 2027 Delegation rotation

Assistants, Newsletter-2026-07-16, Outside the Union Print This Post

The publication of the 2027 EU Delegation rotation exercise has once again generated excitement among colleagues dreaming of an international career. Working in an EU Delegation offers unique professional and personal opportunities, and every year many officials eagerly await the publication of the available posts. 

Unfortunately, for many AST/SC colleagues, that excitement may have ended almost as soon as it began.  Continue reading Hidden opportunities for AST/SC colleagues in the 2027 Delegation rotation →

Unjust Dismissals in EU Delegations: A Dangerous Start to Delegations “Modernisation”

Local Agents, Newsletter-2025-12-19, Outside the Union Print This Post

Staff representation organisations have jointly raised serious concerns regarding the modernisation of the EU Delegation network and, more specifically, the Commission’s proposal to dismiss up to 29 Local Agents (LAs) in the Western Balkans.  In the Delegations concerned, this represents a very significant share of Local Agents in core functions such as Finance, Contracts and Audit, in several cases approaching half of the workforce in those sections.  

Continue reading Unjust Dismissals in EU Delegations: A Dangerous Start to Delegations “Modernisation” →

From Paper to Digital: A voting practice update is necessary

Brussels, Elections, Electoral reform, Geel, Ispra-Seville, Karlsruhe, Local elections, Luxembourg, Newsletter - 2024-10-28, Outside the Union, Petten Print This Post

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is one of the largest directorates-general (DGs) in the Commission.  With its scientific profile it takes pride in its innovative and modern endeavours. JRC practices the remote way of working, in line with the Commission guidelines, but also benefits from it to foster cooperation among its multisite structure of 6 locations across Europe.

Continue reading From Paper to Digital: A voting practice update is necessary →

Locals Agents Salary Method – Time to adapt to the reality on the ground!

EEAS Special Edition Newsletter June 2024, Local Agents, Newsletter – 2024-04-29, Outside the Union Print This Post

It is clear that the current salary method, and the idea of “One system fits all” in some 140 Delegations all over the world is not working. Here are some insights and suggestions.

The idea behind any salary update in the world is to make sure that the organisation’s salaries are competitive, keep employees satisfied, and do what they can to attract and retain the best people. This is also the case for the European External Action Service (EEAS). Continue reading Locals Agents Salary Method – Time to adapt to the reality on the ground! →

Conference on standby duty and use of private phones for work purposes in Delegations April 2024

'voluntold', Data Protection, EEAS, Events, Local Agents, Outside the Union Print This Post

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 →

Ukraine: Easter action 2024

crisis-response action, Newsletter - 2024-03-15, Outside the Union, Ukraine 2022 Print This Post

*Update 18.03.2024 5 days of volunteering extended to 2024.* A group of volunteers is preparing an Easter transport with humanitarian help for Ukraine.

If you would like to support their action, please have a look at the Ukrainian handicrafts they offer for sale. To know how the group uses funds, please see the photos and videos from the last deliveries. Should you need more information, please contact the group directly. Continue reading Ukraine: Easter action 2024 →

Are we testing competences or IT setup?

Certification, EEAS, EPSO, Internal Competitions, Newsletter - 2024-03-15, Outside the Union Print This Post

*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? →

Is e-voting the right tool for the JRC?

Brussels, Elections, Electoral reform, Geel, Ispra-Seville, Karlsruhe, Local Staff Committee, Luxembourg, Newsletter - 2023-12-01, Outside the Union, Petten Print This Post

*Update 23.07.2024 HR says its not feasible to have e-voting at Geel and Karlsruhe, once more money is cited as a factor, are we surprised?*

Original article: Digitalisation is everywhere: we pay electronically, we get our news and movies digitally and we even meet online. While some types of human interaction would, ideally, never be replaced, many routine administrative activities can certainly benefit from going digital. Nevertheless, it’s important to include those who will use new systems and procedures in the decision-making process: while we might save on queuing with e-Voting, are we maybe missing out somewhere else? Continue reading Is e-voting the right tool for the JRC? →

Gaza-Israel war: volunteering/donating

crisis-response action, News + Press, Outside the Union Print This Post

*Update 20.11.2024, thanks to the colleague who brought the EUstaff4peace letter to our attention, here is their  their letter of gratitude to HR/VP Josep Borrell. Their next vigil in Brussels takes place 28.11.2024* *Update 17.04.2024 We asked for the exceptional 5 days available for Ukraine-related volunteering be made available for those volunteering to help civilians caught up in wars elsewhere.*

Original article: Several colleagues asked what they can do to help. That is why we have tried to put together a starting list. There are limited volunteering initiatives Continue reading Gaza-Israel war: volunteering/donating →

Generation 2004 meets staff in EU Delegations 24.10.2023

EEAS, Events, Local Agents, Outside the Union Print This Post

*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 →