Limited job mobility for Contract Agents. Contract agents (CAs) face significant barriers when seeking job security, never mind career advancement. Generation 2004 believes that this makes the Commission less attractive as an employer and further, that it negatively impacts staff morale. The availability of CA positions is scarce, and in some cases, obtaining a new job can result in a backwards move: a lower classification rather than any step up. Continue reading Fair access: Advocating for function group advancement for Contract Agents
reclassification
Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?
*Update 18.03 we’ve seen the undated FAQs and apply it to [*] below. ‘If you wish to be notified about the publication of an internal competition, you have the possibility to subscribe to the administrative notices’ alerts via this link: Administrative Notices – message alert system.’*
Original article: Opportunities Announced, But Do They Truly Deliver? The European Commission has announced its internal competitions planning for 2025-2027, introducing more frequent competitions and cross-category mobility up to AD10. This appears to be a positive development at first glance, but a deeper analysis of eligibility criteria and staff demographics raises serious concerns about how inclusive and effective these competitions will be in addressing long-standing career progression issues. Continue reading Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?
Unlocking Career progression for Contract Agents: untapped potential of GIPS Article 13
What is GIPS Article 13 (CA screening) and who can benefit from it ? Article 13 of the general implementing provisions (GIPs) for Article 79(2) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (CEOS) provides a pathway for Contract Agents engaged under article 3a of the CEOS [*] to advance to a higher function group (so-called CA screening), provided they meet certain conditions. Continue reading Unlocking Career progression for Contract Agents: untapped potential of GIPS Article 13
10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents
Generation 2004 has been at the forefront of advocating for Contract Agents, consistently pushing for fairer employment conditions, better career prospects, and greater recognition of their contributions. Over the years, we have actively engaged with the administration, raising awareness of the systemic challenges contract agents face: barriers to career advancement, limited access to internal competitions, unfair contractual terms, and restricted mobility within the institution. Continue reading 10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents
Brave new world at the Commission: the day the staff representation was abolished
I wake up and it is just another ordinary day. I prepare breakfast and get my child ready. Then head to the crèche before going to the office. But to my great surprise, the crèche is closed. Nobody seems to be around. When I finally spot someone I know, I ask what is going on. Maybe a strike? “Not really. Weren’t you informed? Continue reading Brave new world at the Commission: the day the staff representation was abolished
EEAS: Performance Appraisals Exercise for 2025
***Update: you can find the presentation here.*** Friday, 24 January 2025, more than 60 colleagues joined Generation 2004 mini-conference during lunchtime to explore the topic of performance appraisals within the EEAS. The session provided valuable insights into the 2025 appraisal exercise, addressing both the written and unwritten rules of the Career Development Reviews (CDR). Continue reading EEAS: Performance Appraisals Exercise for 2025
Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2025?
*Update 28.01.2025: this is a follow-up to our 09.01.2025 event on how to write your text. If you’re still in that process then check out the video and presentation there.*
Original article: 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 are situations suggesting that some staff are less favoured, while some staff are evaluated as ‘not applicable’, regardless of how well they work. What can you do if your work is judged to be ‘unsatisfactory‘?
Reclassification and promotion exercises 2024 : Congratulations
Generation 2004 wishes to congratulate all Contract Agents 3a for their well-deserved advancement (‘reclassification‘), together with the officials and local agents in representations who were promoted. We trust our webinar on drafting self-appraisals, our support to individual requests from colleagues to review their self-assessments and our advice on how to draft an appeal helped in the reclassification exercise.
Continue reading Reclassification and promotion exercises 2024 : Congratulations
Conference: 2025 appraisal and promotion/reclassification exercises
*Update 20.01.2025, we’ve closed the list for reviewing your appraisal text with you. If you still want out help please send us an email.*
Original article: We publish this early enough for you to make a start on listing your achievements, training and highlights throughout 2023 to avoid you having to hit the ground running in January. This conference explains the evaluation process and offers tips. Join us Tuesday, 9 January 2024, 12:00-13:30. We cover how to prepare your self-assessment and your one-on-one interview with your line manager (‘reporting officer’) [1] this is applicable both to the promotion (officials) and reclassification (Contract Agents, except 3b)[2]. Continue reading Conference: 2025 appraisal and promotion/reclassification exercises
EEAS: Improving the Promotion/reclassification System
The yearly promotion/reclassification exercise within the European External Action Service (EEAS) is a crucial moment for all staff, whether officials, or non-permanent staff as it directly impacts career development and recognition of merit. The final lists for the 2024 exercises were published 07.11.2024. However, Generation 2004 has observed persistent concerns regarding the lack of transparency, predictability, and security in the current promotion system. We have made similar obervations about the promotions/reclassifications system in the Commission[1].
Continue reading EEAS: Improving the Promotion/reclassification System
