Social Dialogue

Large-Scale Review: déjà vu?

*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’).

Continue reading Large-Scale Review: déjà vu?

EEAS: Modernisation of the Delegation Network: What’s Really Happening?

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?

EEAS: “One Day Only?” The Battle Over Teleworking Rights for Local Agents

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

Why is Generation 2004 calling for a political concertation?

*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?

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

Generation 2004: Your Voice in the European Commission 

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 

AST & AST-SC staff: ECA Report Highlights Long-Standing Career Challenges

*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not  otherwise skewed to reduce participation.* Continue reading AST & AST-SC staff: ECA Report Highlights Long-Standing Career Challenges

TAXUD’s Alarming Decline in Staff Well-being: A Call for Immediate Action

*Update 06.06.2024: our efforts have paid off.*
The recently published 2023 staff survey results paint a bleak picture of the state of affairs within DG Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD), particularly concerning the prevention of psychological harassment (‘bullying’ or ‘mobbing’) and sexual harassment. Continue reading TAXUD’s Alarming Decline in Staff Well-being: A Call for Immediate Action

High time for more flexible teleworking, also from abroad!

The implementation of the Decision on Working Time and Hybrid Working (WTHW) was evaluated by DG HR at the end of 2023 and, while targeted actions are now expected, there will be no big revision, the promised flexibility is still one-sided. Generation 2004 was pleased to notice that the evaluation is overall very positive and that many managers also appreciated the enhanced flexibility of WTHW and made use themselves of the possibilities to better reconcile their private and professional lives. Continue reading High time for more flexible teleworking, also from abroad!

Please use your 10 days of teleworking from outside the place of employment!

*Update 26.08.2025 here’s the new link with instructions on how to encode those TWA days, note that even Blue Book trainees can have 5 days.*

Original article: If you still haven’t used up all your days of teleworking from anywhere (TWA)[*] do not forget to file the request in Sysper as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it. We know of no plans to extend the validity of the 2023 days beyond the end-of-year deadline (the 2021 days could be used until 15.01.2022). Please at least request your full 2023 quota of days, even if you’re not 100% sure that you’ll use them: HR is looking at how many days are left over. Continue reading Please use your 10 days of teleworking from outside the place of employment!