Welcome to the twelfth, but not last, edition of the Generation 2004 newsletter for 2023. Many of you asked last year for us to provide our end-of-year checklist and appraisal planning a bit sooner this time round in order to allow you to act on the suggestions there. So, here you have it, please make the best use you can of it! Winter is here and with it our competition for the coolest ‘chilling in the office’ photo. We present a summary of the recent town hall meeting on working time and hybrid working and of what has changed in terms of the annual medical check-up. Continuing with change, how about e-voting on those sites still voting on paper and more transparency and dialogue at Eismea and in the Representations? On the topic of career progression we have a look at the internal competitions in general, at the extremely specific criteria of the latest three in particular and we then invite you to consider our training offer.
That’s it now for now! Enjoy the reading and get in touch if you believe we can help!
Equal opportunities but not for all. When individuals embark on a career within the European Commission, they hold legitimate expectations of progression and growth, regardless of their staff category. Whether one is a permanent official, a temporary employee, or a contract agent, the belief in opportunities for professional development is inherent. 
*Update 06.12.2023: here are building closures and alternatives in 
The directors-general from DG HR, DG Interpretation (SCIC) and DG Digital Services (DIGIT), together with the the Director of the Office for Infrastructure and Logistics in Brussels (
Very close to the end of the year, the Commission has kept up with its stated planning in its 
Generation 2004
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? 
Generation 2004 has heard from several of you concerning your difficulties in navigating the new systems to have screening tests reimbursed at 100%, now that the medical service is no longer providing the so-called ‘bon rose’. That way of authorising specific tests outside the Medical Service was 
*Update 06.12.2023: here are building closures and alternatives in 
We publish this early enough for you to make a start on listing your achievements, training and highlights throughout 2023 to avoid you having to hit the ground running in January. This conference explains the evaluation process and offers tips. Join us Tuesday, 9 January 2024, 12:00-13:30. We cover how to prepare your self-assessment and your one-on-one interview with your line manager (‘reporting officer’) [1] this is applicable both to the promotion (officials) and reclassification (contract agents, except 3b)[2]. 