z Newsletter article

Training offer: Study groups 3 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

*Update 9.03.2026: both study groups are now full. Registration is therefore closed, and the registration links and corresponding discount codes are no longer available*

*Update 16.02.2026: the study group 3 in Spanish is now full. Registration is therefore closed, and the registration links and corresponding discount codes are no longer available*

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the third round of online training for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in English as well as in Spanish and sessions will be recorded.

Continue reading Training offer: Study groups 3 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Breaking the glass ceiling: structural barriers facing contract agents in internal competitions

*Update 16.02.26: See the latest DG HR reply under references*

Many Contract Agents see internal competitions within the European Commission as an opportunity for professional advancement and greater career stability. However, in practice, both regulatory (see also point 17a of CAs FAQ) and operational obstacles often limit the effectiveness of these competitions. Contract agents encounter structural constraints rooted in the staff regulations (CEOS) as well as practical difficulties related to recruitment outcomes and job availability. These challenges risk undermining both staff motivation and the Commission’s ability to retain experienced personnel. 

Continue reading Breaking the glass ceiling: structural barriers facing contract agents in internal competitions

Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2026?

*** Update – You can find the recording and the presentation here ***

The whole appraisal and promotion/reclassification processes can be a bit of a mystery. It’s not always clear how DGs choose who to reward, nor why some years appear to be better than others. There might be situations suggesting that some staff were less favoured.

What happens between now and the publication of the draft promotion/reclassification lists in June? And what happens between then and the publication of the final lists in November? 

For a clear reply on this and other related questions,  

Attend our event
Thursday, 5th February 2026 12.30-14.30  Continue reading Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2026?

Training offer: Study groups 2 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the second round of online training for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in English as well as in Spanish and sessions will be recorded.

 

Continue reading Training offer: Study groups 2 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Call for Candidates: Building on Our Success – Local Staff Committee Elections in Petten

*Update: elections will be held from 19 March, at 11:30, until 26 march, at 12:30. Deadline for submission of candidates: 2 march. Please get in touch with us by Friday 28 February, lunchtime*

At the end of last year, Generation 2004 once again confirmed its strong position in the Local Staff Committee elections in Luxembourg, retaining the title of the biggest single staff organisation in the European Commission. This result reflects the trust colleagues place in our work and the commitment of our candidates and members. 

We are now launching a call for candidates for the upcoming Local Staff Committee elections at the European Commission Petten site, starting, where the election process is expected to move very quickly.   Continue reading Call for Candidates: Building on Our Success – Local Staff Committee Elections in Petten

Disposable mobile phones: a new trend at the Commission?

Each year, hundreds, if not thousands,  of colleagues are effectively forced to replace their mobile phones in order to retain access to a work profile and Commission applications while on the move. This has probably already happened to many of you! 

Although using your personal device for work is not an official requirement – and should not be, as we have repeatedly highlighted in previous notes to the Administration, staff are increasingly expected to be always connected: to reply to emails rapidly, to remain reachable outside normal working hours, to participate in last-minute online meetings, and so on.  

Continue reading Disposable mobile phones: a new trend at the Commission?

Newsletter editorial – 19-12-2025

Welcome to the Christmas Edition of this Newsletter!
Dear colleagues,
As 2025 comes to an end, we take a moment to look back at a year marked by both achievements and growing challenges for our institution and its staff. This Christmas edition gathers articles on some of the most pressing topics for our community: the uncertainty surrounding the European Schools, the ongoing reforms in the JSIS, as well as HR’s commitment to address discrimination in the repayment of exceptional education costs, following concerns raised by Generation 2004. We also examine recent unjust dismissals in EU delegations, which raise serious questions about the direction of “modernisation” in Delegations.

Continue reading Newsletter editorial – 19-12-2025

Is The New Decision on Geographical balance going to work?

On 6 November 2025 the Commission adopted a decision aimed at enhancing the geographical diversity among its staff. Stephen QUEST, Director-General of DG HR, hailed it as an introduction of measures designed to attract individuals from underrepresented countries to join the Commission.  

 

 

Continue reading Is The New Decision on Geographical balance going to work?