*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not otherwise skewed to reduce participation.* Continue reading Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff
z Newsletter article
Newsletter editorial – 28-10-2024
Welcome to the tenth edition of Generation 2004 newsletter for 2024. This edition highlights several key updates, beginning with a heartfelt thank you to our supporters in the recent Generation 2004 elections in Geel. We also address pressing concerns about the challenging issues surrounding ASTSC career blockages. Furthermore, we explore the certification process. In addition we focus on unpaid leave and the pursuit of longer and sustainable careers for Contract Agents and we discuss whether to sign or not the petition from the contract agent “collective”. We also discuss issues regarding standby duty within the EEAS and voting practice in JRC sites. Moreover, we offer insights into training opportunities for the AST3 EPSO competition. We also did not forget to talk about the difficulties to navigate the ‘My IntraComm‘ platform. Last but not least, we provide a comprehensive FAQ on pension and the transfer of pension rights, as well as details about the JRC event dedicated to this topic.
That’s all for now!
Enjoy the reading and get in touch if you believe we can help!
From Paper to Digital: A voting practice update is necessary
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is one of the largest directorates-general (DGs) in the Commission. With its scientific profile it takes pride in its innovative and modern endeavours. JRC practices the remote way of working, in line with the Commission guidelines, but also benefits from it to foster cooperation among its multisite structure of 6 locations across Europe.
Continue reading From Paper to Digital: A voting practice update is necessary
Challenges of unpaid leave for contract agents
Are you a contract agent or temporary agent who needs time off and annual leave is not enough? Are you considering applying for unpaid leave? Or perhaps you have submitted a request that was denied? Based on feedback from our members, we are examining the complexities surrounding unpaid leave for personal reasons.
Continue reading Challenges of unpaid leave for Contract Agents
Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents
*Update 21.11.2024 check out the European Court of Auditors, 2024, Special report 24/2024: EU Civil service–A flexible employment framework, insufficiently used to improve workforce management: it concludes that ‘While the recruitment of temporary staff has proven an effective and flexible way to deal with the shortage of successful candidates on EPSO reserve lists, it carries some risks for business continuity and knowledge management, and as such cannot be a viable long-term solution‘ (Paragraph 100)*
Continue reading Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents
Upcoming changes to the mission guide
An update of the currently-in-force version of the work travel (‘mission’) guide (dating from 2017), has been in negotiations between the HR and the trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) since May 2023. The good news is that we are finally approaching its conclusion. At this stage we cannot present you details since they have not been adopted yet, but we can fill you in on what is coming.
Training Offer: EPSO competition AST3 – Free-text Essay on EU matters
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you online training for the competition EPSO/AST/156/24 Assistants (AST3) in 3 fields (1. Financial management 2. Accounting and treasury 3. Public procurement) with a special discount rate for our members ONLY. All training modules will be in English.
Continue reading Training Offer: EPSO competition AST3 – Free-text Essay on EU matters
‘Voluntary’ availability during end-of-year break
We are aware of colleagues being asked to ‘voluntarily’[1] declare their availability to ‘ensure business continuity’[2] during the end-of-year stop (23.12.2024-02.01.2025). Given that many staff will already have their laptop with them, whether that’s to use the 10 telework from anywhere (TWA) days, to accommodate the routine building closures at this time of year[3] or to work around cold Offices, it can seem a little predatory to then ask when (not whether) colleagues are available during these rest days for unspecified and as-yet-unmeasured tasks. As though no one would have the intention of filling that time with their own plans!
Continue reading ‘Voluntary’ availability during end-of-year break
Cold? leave a paper trail!
It’s that time of year again and several of you have got in touch to say that your workspace is below the legal minimum temperature of 19°C in Brussels and 20°C in Luxembourg. We raise this point everywhere we can, but so far it is falling on deaf ears. What can we all do about it? We ask you to make some noise. Please contact your proximity team [1] every time you suspect that your work area is below the minimum temperature.
General pension FAQs
*Update 07.11.2025, thanks to the almost 130 colleagues who attended o our event! We have updated the FAQs with your questions! Here’s the presentation. For the guest speaker presentation please click here to request it. Also, please check out EULearn pension training.*
*Update 06.11.2025 our intention is for this list to be searchable, hence the repetition of some information. We link also to a recent PMO presentation on pensions.*
Original article: To supplement our frequently asked questions (FAQs) on pension transfers, we add this FAQ for all of the other questions we receive on pensions in general. Continue reading General pension FAQs
