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
z Newsletter article
Internal Competitions: A Fair Shot for Everyone?
For some colleagues, internal competitions are more than just a career advancement tool – they are the only chance to stay within the institution beyond their contract: i.e. they provide a chance to have job security. For others, such as AST or AST/SC colleagues, previously excluded from any cross-category opportunities (contrary to what has been standard in other institutions, with the excpetion of a couple of exceptions) the new system will be the first time they have been able to apply for another function group.
Continue reading Internal Competitions: A Fair Shot for Everyone?
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
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
Wave of rail strikes in Belgium – wake up call for the Administration
Following the 2024 Belgian federal election, and prolonged negotiations, a new Belgian federal government has finally been in place since 3 February 2025. This economically-right-oriented government has come up with a list of measures in the areas of taxation, employment and unemployment, pension, security, immigration, mobility, climate, defence.
Continue reading Wave of rail strikes in Belgium – wake up call for the Administration
EPSO: When wishful thinking meets reality
What at first glance looks like a logical continuation and supplement to the new EPSO competition model is above all one thing: the admission of failure across the board. No matter how rosy the Director General of HR portrays the situation and the new recruitment model, EPSO is not living up to its claim to deliver a better and ultimately faster service and DG HR is now struggling to ensure at least a minimum level of quality in the new recruitment model. Continue reading EPSO: When wishful thinking meets reality
No departures from this station – why NEO remains utterly inadequate to plan missions by train
Efforts to make the Commission greener and hence more reliant on rail for business travel (‘missions’) make perfect sense. Unfortunately, they quickly hit a buffer – pun intended. In fact, you often don’t even run the risk of boarding a train in the first place. This is because, for those of you using the online booking tool (NEO) and the travel agency behind it, there is no offer of suitable train journeys. Even though the NEO shortcomings are well known, nothing has changed. Continue reading No departures from this station – why NEO remains utterly inadequate to plan missions by train
Fair access: Advocating for function group advancement for Contract Agents
Limited job mobility for Contract Agents. Contract agents (CAs) face significant barriers when seeking job security, never mind career advancement. Generation 2004 believes that this makes the Commission less attractive as an employer and further, that it negatively impacts staff morale. The availability of CA positions is scarce, and in some cases, obtaining a new job can result in a backwards move: a lower classification rather than any step up. Continue reading Fair access: Advocating for function group advancement for Contract Agents
Newsletter editorial – 28-02-2025
Welcome to our third Newsletter edition. In this edition, we cover various topics that delve into the issues affecting EU staff, including career progression opportunities for Contract Agents, professional mobility, and training offers for EPSO and Internal competitions. Additionally, we explore the latest developments on teleworking from anywhere, and housing allowances in Luxembourg. Meanwhile, we also examine the importance of mental health support for our children in European schools and provide updates on pension FAQs. Furthermore, we bring you recordings of recent conferences on AST and AST/SC promised change, temporary staff decision, and navigating JSIS, as well as a call to action from Generation 2004 for a political concertation. We also answer to AST and AST/SC Frequently Asked Questions. Stay tuned for our analysis on Internal competitions from 2025 to 2027 and their potential impact on your career. Last but not least. Election are still underway and your vote really matters!
That’s all for now!
Enjoy the reading and get in touch if you believe we can help!
Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?
*Update 18.03 we’ve seen the undated FAQs and apply it to [*] below. ‘If you wish to be notified about the publication of an internal competition, you have the possibility to subscribe to the administrative notices’ alerts via this link: Administrative Notices – message alert system.’*
Original article: Opportunities Announced, But Do They Truly Deliver? The European Commission has announced its internal competitions planning for 2025-2027, introducing more frequent competitions and cross-category mobility up to AD10. This appears to be a positive development at first glance, but a deeper analysis of eligibility criteria and staff demographics raises serious concerns about how inclusive and effective these competitions will be in addressing long-standing career progression issues. Continue reading Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?
