*Update 27.02.2025: the question of whether managers can/should use Teams/Skype or other status as an indication of your presence/availability has been raised repeatedly, particularly given that you might have a different status on each platform. Check out question 14 of the flexible working FAQs for written confirmation that this is not their intended use and that status is not a reliable indicator of presence or non-presence.* Continue reading Brownie points, shattered dreams & utility-bill miracles
z Newsletter article
Certification programme overview and details
Congratulations to the 35 Commission colleagues who completed Certification in 2023! For those of you participating in the interviews for the 2023/24 edition you have 5 days to appeal non-inclusion on the list of those who will go on to the next interviews, get ready! For those who manage to get their names on that list, there is training available for the interviews. Generation 2004 is aware of the exceptionally poor exam results in 2024, we are awaiting the publication of the corresponding report to make comparisons with the previous 17 certification exercises. Continue reading Certification programme overview and details
Internal competitions – but for whom?
*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 Internal competitions – but for whom?
Training offer for external competitions and certification
*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. Participation in these competitions can be done in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading Training offer for external competitions and certification
Training offer for certification & internal competitions
*Update 15.12.2023, check out our 2024 training.* Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is offering online trainings and webinars to assist you in preparing for the Certification exercise and internal competitions.
There is a special price for all participants to the certification training. The talent screener webinar is free for all staff.
You can find the video recording and the PowerPoint presentation of the free webinar here.
Continue reading Training offer for certification & internal competitions
Is e-voting the right tool for the JRC?
*Update 23.07.2024 HR says its not feasible to have e-voting at Geel and Karlsruhe, once more money is cited as a factor, are we surprised?*
Original article: 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? Continue reading Is e-voting the right tool for the JRC?
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy start to 2024!
We wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year! Please use this time to disconnect from work, to rest and to spend your energy on what is important to you. Here’s our end-of-year checklist to help you to use what you’re entitled to. In 2024 we will continue to raise your issues and fight on your side, we are always here for you! Continue reading We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy start to 2024!
Reimbursed amount = 0 €
*Update 03.03.2024: the contact number listed on p.2 of the account sheet is out of date, please use number listed here.*
Original article: This can and does happen relatively frequently. First of all, don’t panic! But please do be aware that there is a 3-month time limit[1] on taking a non-reimbursement issue as far as you can before embarking on legal action. Challenging a decision not to reimburse is therefore not an administrative step to save for when you have the time, you really do have to make the time (especially if you need to get a more detailed bill from the health-service provider, for example or investigate whether a precedent has been set for reimbursement). Continue reading Reimbursed amount = 0 €
Cancer detection: no longer a priority?
*Update 17.09.2024 check out the pros and cons of screening: this is the reasoning given behind the decisions below. We also invite you to check the uneven/inequal cancer outcomes observed in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.*
Original article: 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 withdrawn in February 2023[1]. Continue reading Cancer detection: no longer a priority?
End-of-year checklist 2023
In response to your feedback from last year, we 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 2023
