z Newsletter article

Qualified but discounted: The hidden injustice in EU hiring 

*Update 06.10.2025: the issues outlined below are often called ‘juniorisation‘ within the Commission, but this term is not widely understood.*

Original article: Many colleagues across the EU institutions are increasingly frustrated by outdated and overly rigid eligibility rules in EPSO competitions, institutional vacancy notices and CAST recruitment. One of the most problematic aspects is the requirement that only professional experience acquired after obtaining the minimum required qualification counts toward eligibility.
Continue reading Qualified but discounted: The hidden injustice in EU hiring 

Luxembourg: Update on JMO2 – Letter from OIL 

“We have recently been informed by the architect in charge of the JMO2 project that we are likely to experience further delays with the delivery of the building.“ sounds the joint message from Mr Quest and Mr Miranda-Vizuete.  How did you feel when you read this sentence?
Continue reading Luxembourg: Update on JMO2 – Letter from OIL 

Luxembourg: Additional admin – EU education allowance and state aid

Here’s how to navigate an additional administrative burden for those of you in Luxembourg with dependent children in higher (tertiary) education. The assistance available from the Luxembourg state interacts with the EU education allowance in unexpected ways, make sure to avoid surprises!   Continue reading Luxembourg: Additional admin – EU education allowance and state aid

What Permanent Representation (should not) know about you? 

*Update 25.09.2025 See related supervisory opinion on case 2023-1231.*

Remember our article of 25 September 2024, where we wrote about dubious and questionable (if not illegal) transfers of our personal data to the permanent representation of Member States by DG HR? One of our members, Rafal Stanecki took the matter further.
Continue reading What Permanent Representation (should not) know about you? 

Revisiting GIPS: a route for better conditions for contract agents 

The current General Implementing Provisions (GIPs) – C(2017)6760 governing the working conditions of Contract Agents (CAs) have been in place since 2017.  While these provisions contributed to better alignment of rules between CAs (3a and 3b), they still reflect some systemic inequalities faced by contract staff, who remain the most undervalued and exploited staff category.  Continue reading Revisiting GIPS: a route for better conditions for contract agents 

Time for change: out-of-date restrictions on assisted fertility?

Let the European Institutions lead the way forward, not hold us back with outdated rules.  In a world where medical science is advancing rapidly and professional careers increasingly shape personal timelines, the EU institutions and their Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS) must ensure policies keep pace with technical and societal advances and follow the best practices seen in Member States. Commission Decision C(2023) 7673, updates its 2007 predecessor in order to broaden access to parenthood, but does it go far enough?  Continue reading Time for change: out-of-date restrictions on assisted fertility?

Breaking news: You can now combine parental leave with TWA 

*Update 26.08.2025 here’s the new link with instructions on how to encode those TWA days, note that even Blue Book trainees can have 5 days.*

Original article: Generation 2004 is glad to announce that from now on, you can combine any type of leave – including parental leave – with teleworking from outside the place of employment, or teleworking from anywhere (TWA). We particularly thank Mr Quest, the Director-General of HR for his positive reply to our long-standing request
Continue reading Breaking news: You can now combine parental leave with TWA 

Luxembourg Housing allowance – landing in your payslip this month!

The Luxembourg housing allowance is finally there! If you are eligible, then you should see it in your payslip for July 2025, under the code “LUX”. We will not repeat the detailed conditions that you must fulfil to receive it: you can look them up Staff Centre.
Continue reading Luxembourg Housing allowance – landing in your payslip this month!

EEAS: Modernisation of the Delegation Network: What’s Really Happening?

A major restructuring of the EU Delegation network is underway and while management frames it as a “modernisation,” many staff are left with more questions than answers. At the end of May 2025, key representatives from the EEAS and Commission services presented an overview of “the modernisation of the EU Delegation network” to the TUSA (Trade Union and Staff Associations). Continue reading EEAS: Modernisation of the Delegation Network: What’s Really Happening?

EEAS: “One Day Only?” The Battle Over Teleworking Rights for Local Agents

In an era where “flexibility” is a buzzword and remote work a norm, local agents (LAs) in Delegations find themselves limited to just one day of teleworking per week. That’s the core of the draft decision currently being debated inside EEAS, in a growing wave of staff disappointment.
Continue reading EEAS: “One Day Only?” The Battle Over Teleworking Rights for Local Agents