*Update 26.09.2024: we’re still unable to find any mention of these 5 additional days on staff matters, they don’t appear to be available via sysyper either. We’ve asked staff contact for info and we’ll share it with you here.*
Original article: In November 2022 Generation 2004 asked the Commission to match the updated paternity-leave provision from Belgium: 20 days of paternity leave[1], instead of the current 10. Continue reading 5 more days for parents, with a catch …
*Update 20.11.2024 We add this cross reference in relation to questions received. Even though the PSEUI does not recognise pension contributions ‘gifted’ by national schemes, it deals with non-work-related pension contributions made to its own system differently: see question 4 General pension FAQs*
Original article: It’s been some time now (in many cases decades) since it became possible to have pension contributions made on your behalf in many Member States while you are not working. These ‘gifted’ contributions might cover periods of long-term sickness, of unemployment, military service[1] or of caring responsibilities, depending on the national authority. Continue reading One more pension pitfall, or how the Commission fails to keep up
*Update 06.12.2023: here are building closures and alternatives in Brussels, but we don’t (yet) see equivalent information for other places of work e.g. Grange or Luxembourg. Remember you have the right to work from the office 100% if you so wish (and you are prepared for the temperatures there).* Continue reading Grange childcare follow up
Welcome to the ninth edition of the Generation 2004 newsletter of 2023. Please participate in our Follow-up survey on teleworking, hybrid working and teleworking from anywhere (TWA): we would like to make a comparison with the answers you provided to our two original surveys. At the moment we’re busy with the Preparatory groups for the Joint Promotion Committees (JPCs) 11-13 September: this is the last stage of the promotions/reclassifications process before the publication of the final lists in mid-late November. We have still managed to make the time to address your concerns on the solidarity levy and to present an overview of the situation in Luxembourg, given the most recent update to the minimum wage (01.09.2023). We have also finally(!) gathered all the questions you have raised relating to our interim colleagues together in a frequently asked questions (FAQs). Generation 2004 is also concerned at the treatment of our local agent colleagues in Sudan, the short-notice permanent closure of childcare facilities at Grange and the permanent closure of the LACC canteen. We offer training with Ya Semos Europeos for the forthcoming MCQ and CBT tests for the AD6 and AD7 competitions.
So, that’s it for this this edition, thanks to all of you for your support, ideas and feedback: please keep it coming!
Take care and enjoy reading!
*Update 08.09.2023 EPSO intends to use automated proctoring we are concerned at the prospect of retrospective elimination.* Original article: To assist you in preparing for ongoing and future competitions, Generation 2004, in collaboration with Ya Semos Europeos, is offering free online webinars on multiple choice questions (MCQ) and computer-based tests (CBT).
These webinars will provide you with valuable tips and tricks for both types of assessments.
Please note that all seminars will be conducted in English. Continue reading New webinars on MCQ and CBT
Every once in a while, and with increasing frequency in the run-up to its stated end date, we here at Generation 2004 receive a request for clarification about the solidarity levy. This ostensibly temporary measure is 6% of the basic salary (but 7% for those in AD15(2) and above: here are the salary scales for your to check that impact).
*Update 17.04.2024 Disappointingly, we have not yet received a response to our August 2023 note. We are following up with those responsible.*
Original article: The situation in Sudan is undoubtedly difficult, with the ongoing conflict affecting the lives and well-being of the population. Our local agent (LA) colleagues in the delegation there are Continue reading Walking away when things go wrong? Sudan
The European Commission has many sites, some bigger ones, like Brussels, Luxembourg and Ispra, some smaller ones like the smaller JRC sites (Karlsruhe, Geel, Seville) or the satellite site in Grange, Ireland (technically part of Brussels) – home to directorate F (‘Health and food audits and analysis’) of DG SANTE and some colleagues from DGT – not to forget the support staff from the different Offices. Continue reading Grange childcare: loss of trust!
*Update 06.12.2023: here are building closures and alternatives in Brussels, but we don’t (yet) see equivalent information for other places of work e.g. Grange or Luxembourg. Remember you have the right to work from the office 100% if you so wish (and you are prepared for the temperatures there).* *Update 23.11.2023 What is a cafétéria plus?[0]* Continue reading LACC canteen closed permanently, what’s next?
*Update 04.06.2025, we love the recent linkedin video posted by a former Blue Book trainee on the intérimaire experience.*
Original article: Here are some Generation 2004 frequently asked questions (FAQs)[1] and sources on interims, those temporary colleagues who are often expected to be up to speed and functional within a very short space of time. This can often translate in real life as being ‘thrown in at the deep end’ and expected to ‘hit the ground running’ without much information about how things really work. Continue reading Interim staff at the Commission: FAQs
