z Newsletter article

Working for free: it’s worse than we thought

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*Update 24.01.2025: You have until Friday 31 January to request the transfer of >12 days of annual leave from 2024 to 2025. Even if your circumstances make this a right, please still request it: don’t miss out!*

Original article: Please use your time for yourself and your own wellbeing! Look below at just how much time colleagues already donate (voluntarily or otherwise) to the Commission and yet it’s still not enough, it’s never enough: there is always more work to be done. Please don’t give your valuable time away for free: there are no rewards and it will become expected of you.

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Newsletter editorial – 13-12-2024

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Welcome to the twelfth edition of the Generation 2004 Newsletter for 2024. In this edition, we cover key topics including addressing staff concerns and mobility in the EEAS. We congratulate those involved in the Contract Agents Reclassification Exercise 2024 and discuss reducing budgetary losses while granting fairer contracts.

Continue reading Newsletter editorial – 13-12-2024 →

EEAS: Addressing Staff Concerns in the EEAS – Actions, Recommendations, and the Road Ahead

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Generation 2004 as a staff association (OSP) has as its mission to ensure that the voices of all staff are heard and translated into meaningful action. Recent general staff surveys together with the EEAS staff surveys have provided valuable insights into areas where the administration has made strides and where further improvements are strongly needed.

Continue reading EEAS: Addressing Staff Concerns in the EEAS – Actions, Recommendations, and the Road Ahead →

EEAS: Mobility within the EEAS: Time for Transparency and Adherence to Guidelines

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Mobility within the European External Action Service (EEAS) is governed by two administrative decisions on the organisation of an annual internal mobility exercise (ADMIN(2015)14, Ref. Ares(2015)1451726) and implementing
guidelines Ref. (ARES(2024)2219672) that outline the legal framework and set clear guidelines for the mobility process.

Continue reading EEAS: Mobility within the EEAS: Time for Transparency and Adherence to Guidelines →

Reclassification and promotion exercises 2024 : Congratulations

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Generation 2004 wishes to congratulate all Contract Agents 3a for their well-deserved advancement (‘reclassification‘), together with the officials and local agents in representations who were promoted. We trust our webinar on drafting self-appraisals, our support to individual requests from colleagues to review their self-assessments and our advice on how to draft an appeal helped in the reclassification exercise. 

Continue reading Reclassification and promotion exercises 2024 : Congratulations →

Reducing budgetary loss while granting fairer contract agents contracts  

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The importance of Contract Agents to the Commission.  Contract Agents play a crucial role in the functioning of the European Commission. They provide specialised support across a wide range of areas and contribute significantly to the achievement of the institution’s objectives. Their expertise is indispensable, and they often perform tasks that are vital to the daily operations of various departments.  However, despite their importance, Contract Agents are not always sufficiently appreciated or valued.  Continue reading Reducing budgetary loss while granting fairer contract agents contracts   →

The first staff regulation reform: a new underclass (long read)

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Original article: In 2004, Mr. Neil Kinnock who was the Commission’s Vice-President & Commissioner responsible for the Administrative Reform, delivered his masterpiece: The (first) Staff Regulation Reform.  Among the many changes and novelties proposed in the drafts for this ground-breaking reform, was a reduction in the use of Contract Agents (CAs). Incredible, eh? Continue reading The first staff regulation reform: a new underclass (long read) →

Lunchtime conference with inspiring guest speaker: unlock the power of humour at work

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*Update 13.12.2024. Here is the recording of this event and the slides.* Original article: Lunchtime event with inspiring guest speaker JACK GILBEY. Are you looking to unlock the power of humour in the workplace and boost your career ?  The story of Jack Gilbey, a visionary leadership expert and stand-up comedian, serves as a powerful inspiration.

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End-of-year checklist 2024

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*Update 19.12.2024 many thanks to the colleague who wrote to clarify that the flu vaccine is no longer reimbursed at 100%.*

Original article: In response to your feedback we try to send this list out a bit earlier in order to give you time to take action. We encourage you to do what you can now in order to be able to use the end-of-year period to rest and to recharge your batteries. This is not an opportunity to get work done!  Please, as far as you can, switch off your devices, mute notifications and disconnect: take the time for you. Continue reading End-of-year checklist 2024 →

Conference: 2025 appraisal and promotion/reclassification exercises

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*Update 20.01.2025, we’ve closed the list for reviewing your appraisal text with you. If you still want out help please send us an email.*

Original article: 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]. Continue reading Conference: 2025 appraisal and promotion/reclassification exercises →