z Newsletter article

Equal recognition for language exams

*Update 28.10.2025 here’s the response to our note, which makes no mention of the  issue of staff being denied the opportunity to attend an in-person exam.*

*Update 18.09.2025: we’ve added a language-level-equivalence table below, many thanks to the reader who provided this. *

Original article: Here’s one more issue raised by staff:  Generation 2004 was contacted by colleagues across different staff categories, including Contract Agents 3b,  who were refused permission to attend in-person final exams for the in-house 12-level language courses. One reason given was that at this stage they are not required to validate their third language under the staff regulations or Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (CEOS).
Continue reading Equal recognition for language exams

Multiple-choice tests under scrutiny

The use of multiple-choice tests (multiple choice questions (MCQ) and computer-based tests (CBT)) in internal and EPSO competitions has come under fire due to concerns over their effectiveness and fairness. These tests, which are widely used to assess candidates’ knowledge and skills, have been found to have several pitfalls, including technical issues, translation problems, and, above all, poorly designed questions. Continue reading Multiple-choice tests under scrutiny

Preparing for Competitions: Generation 2004’s Guide to Resources

Generation 2004 regularly organises, free workshops to help you prepare for EPSO and internal competitions. Our main partner is  Yasemos Europeos, and together we provide high-quality, accessible learning resources. We are also happy to share additional curated materials that can further support your preparation.
Continue reading Preparing for Competitions: Generation 2004’s Guide to Resources

What Do Staff Representatives Work On? 

If you’re facing a problem at work, have a question about your rights, or need help navigating a difficult situation, you don’t have to go through it alone. Staff representatives are here to listen, guide, and support colleagues regardless of staff category or contract type.   Being a staff representative means more than attending meetings.
Continue reading What Do Staff Representatives Work On? 

Telework from elsewhere or anywhere or abroad?

*Update 25.09.2025 The outcome of the court case related to the removal of the expatriation allowance for some staff in the Parliament while working from outside the place of employment during Covid is added as footnote [**].*

Original article: Generation 2004 has consistently asked for an extension of the current 10-day quota to telework from anywhere (also sometimes erroneously called ‘telework from abroad’) (TWA). DG HR’s often-used argument to reject this request is that the average use of this possibility remains well below the 10 days given.
Continue reading Telework from elsewhere or anywhere or abroad?

Is Modernisation Just a New Word for Austerity? 

The President has tasked Commissioner Serafin to ensure that Europe can draw on “a modern, efficient public administration” and has invited him to carry out a ‘large-scale review of the Commission’s organisation and operations’. The first question we can already ask is: Who will be the corresponding ‘high-level reflection group’ and what will be the selection process for that group Continue reading Is Modernisation Just a New Word for Austerity? 

Newsletter editorial – 08-07-2025

Welcome to our seventh newsletter edition. In this edition, we start with breaking news: we are hiring a secretary and you can now combine parental leave with teleworking abroad. We talk about revisiting the GIPS for Contract Agents and highlight the hidden injustice in EU hiring and call for better prices and food quality in Commission canteens. In the realm of family and personal life, we ask the European Commission to stop discriminating against women on egg freezing and raise the topic of marriage versus partnership. Furthermore, we examine Luxembourg-specific updates, including the housing allowance, JMO2, and EU education allowance and state aid. Finally, we touch on EEAS-specific topics, such as the modernisation of the Delegation Network, the appraisal system reform, the teleworking rights for local agents, as well as what Permanent Representation (should not) know about you.  And last but not least, some summer holiday useful tips.

That’s all for now!

Enjoy the reading and get in touch if you believe we can help!

JRC staff policy – high ambitions, ugly realities

Update 07.07.2025: In the meantime, the Head of Unit responsible for sacking the two Contract Agents and previously accused of harassing a number of other colleagues has been proposed for promotion with just two years of seniority in the grade, two years less than the average in that grade. What do we learn from that?

Continue reading JRC staff policy – high ambitions, ugly realities

Brussels Canteens: rising prices, shrinking wages

Price increase confirmed – Generation 2004 calls for support for the most vulnerable. Meal prices in the European Commission’s canteens in Brussels are set to increase by 4.2%, as confirmed by the Head of Unit responsible for the catering in OIB, during the Local Staff Committee Brussels (LSC Brussels) meeting on Tuesday 1 July.
Continue reading Brussels Canteens: rising prices, shrinking wages

EEAS: Reforming the performance appraisal system – Your Voice Matters!

On 30 June, Generation 2004 hosted an open lunchtime brainstorming session on the performance appraisal system in External Action Service (EEAS). Building on internal consultations with our members and staff representatives, we wanted to hear from all colleagues about their real-life experiences and frustrations with the current system.
Continue reading EEAS: Reforming the performance appraisal system – Your Voice Matters!