Following the joint request submitted by Generation 2004 and U4U, DG HR organised a social dialogue meeting on the impact of the current geopolitical and energy situation on staff. We welcome the fact that DG HR chose to engage directly with staff representatives rather than simply replying in writing.
Continue reading Energy Costs: social dialogue Opens the Door, But Flexibility Must Come First
*Update: please find here the presentation and the recording of the webinar*
On Tuesday, 5 May 2026 at lunchtime (12:30 – 13:30) we held a meeting with members on current key issues of interest for staff. The meeting, which was held online, was a valuable opportunity for our members to receive updates on current topics, exchange views on issues affecting colleagues, and ask questions.
The agenda included particularly European Schools, competitions, social dialogue on sick leave, Large Scale Review, Contract Agents and more.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us by email or through our usual channels.
Generation 2004, together with U4U, will formally request the opening of a social dialogue with the administration to assess the growing financial pressures faced by EU staff and to explore possible support measures.
Continue reading Rising Costs, Real Impact: Time for a Serious Dialogue on Staff Working Conditions
Have you ever been on sick leave?
Most of you probably have at some point been ill during your time in the Commission. For some of you, the unpleasant experience of being ill, has been made worse by the related administrative process.
Everything relating to sick leave stems from art. 59 of the Staff Regulations, and its interpretation or creative development in the form of GIPs (General implementing provisions) by the administration.
The current version of the GIPs dates from 2004 and after over 20 years the time has come to update this document. For this reason, DG HR, Generation 2004 representatives and other trade unions have been meeting since last November to discuss the proposed changes.
Continue reading Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave
*Update 05.11.2025 we have seen the article suggesting ending the EU civil service and are evaluating its content. We intend to attend the staff event on the large-scale review of the Commission on Friday 21 November, as we encourage you all to do also.*
Original article: We intend to address the issues raised there in our response to the large scae review.* Generation 2004 invites all colleagues to a brainstorming session on the Large-Scale Review – the new reflection exercise launched by the Commission to assess its structure and functioning. While the official message speaks of modernisation, agility and simplification, many colleagues are sceptical. We have seen in the past – in 2004 and 2014 – how such exercises ended in reforms that weakened staff rights and career prospects (‘perspectives’).
A major restructuring of the EU Delegation network is underway and while management frames it as a “modernisation,” many staff are left with more questions than answers. At the end of May 2025, key representatives from the EEAS and Commission services presented an overview of “the modernisation of the EU Delegation network” to the TUSA (Trade Union and Staff Associations). Continue reading EEAS: Modernisation of the Delegation Network: What’s Really Happening?
In an era where “flexibility” is a buzzword and remote work a norm, local agents (LAs) in Delegations find themselves limited to just one day of teleworking per week. That’s the core of the draft decision currently being debated inside EEAS, in a growing wave of staff disappointment.
Continue reading EEAS: “One Day Only?” The Battle Over Teleworking Rights for Local Agents
*Update 24.02.2025, Brussels staff, check the electoral roll: if your name is on there then you can vote!*
Original article: On 18 February 2025, Generation 2004 and other Trade Unions, called for a political concertation[1] with Commissioner SERAFIN (Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration) on the draft decision amending Decision C(2013) 9049 on policies for the engagement and use of temporary staff[2].
Continue reading Why is Generation 2004 calling for a political concertation?
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
At the European Commission, staff representation is the cornerstone of ensuring fairness and equality in the workplace. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-serving colleague, understanding how that representation works and why it matters is essential. Generation 2004 is here to ensure that your voice is heard, that your concerns are addressed, and that your workplace evolves to meet your needs. Continue reading Generation 2004: Your Voice in the European Commission
