In a previous issue of our newsletter, we discussed the feasibility of travelling from Brussels to main cities in the EU by train and concluded that Brussels was quite central within the EU railway network and will remain so even after Brexit moves the centre of gravity of the EU eastward. An interesting article was recently published in the Belgian press which confirms our analysis and gives indications with regard to the CO₂ emissions associated with different transport modes. Despite underestimating the CO₂ emissions of air travel (it looks like the figures quoted in the article are based on the assumption that airplanes fly with 100% occupancy rates, which is not always the case), the article confirms that travelling by train is by far the most efficient transport mode.

After several months of complete silence, DG HR has finally unveiled its revised proposal for a reform of Staff Representation. The document, which was circulated shortly before Christmas and formally presented on January 17, before being discussed with unions, foresees only one single staff committee, located in Brussels composed of members directly and simultaneously elected in all Commission sites and delegations. Continue reading Staff representation reform – state of (no) play… →

DG RTD Reorganisation and delegation of projects to agencies discussed at the Local Staff Committee

There is a reorganisation ongoing in DG RTD. Its Director General, Mr Jean-Eric Paquet, is determined to make it more flexible, agile and efficient, closer to the Executive Agencies and ready for the European Innovation Council, as explained to members of the Local Staff Committee on 5^th February. Continue reading DG RTD reorganization presented at the LSC Brussels →

If you are expecting a baby and are insured under the Commission JSIS scheme, you are most likely familiar with the Intracomm page, which provides details on what the scheme reimburses and at which rate. Continue reading JSIS – Reimbursment of the pre-natal test →

It is a truth universally acknowledged that cabinet colleagues at the end of the Commission term must be in want of a parachute. Therefore, despite some promises made 5 years ago after the last paratrooper airborne insertion exercise that there would be future limits on “parachutage”, it seems nothing has really changed. Continue reading Betrayal and humiliation or the advantage of having friends in high places →