The deadline for applications to the certification process of this year is Monday 29th September at 23:59 (Brussels time). For the Commission there will be a maximum of 50 AST 5 (step 2 and higher) colleagues who will have the chance to be selected to potentially join the AD function group after intensive training and examinations. For further details, please refer to the following Notice and our AST FAQs.
Continue reading Certification: Free conference
Assistants
Training offer: EPSO AST3 in Communication
*Update 10.09.2025, this EPSO competition is now closed to new applications.*
Our Training partner Yasemos Europeos, has a special offer with a 20% discount rate for our members. The package contains: Study group for reasoning, MCQ and EUFTE tests for the EPSO competition on AST/157/25 Assistants (AST 3) in Communication.
Continue reading Training offer: EPSO AST3 in Communication
Free Webinar: Competition EPSO AST 3 Assistants (3 fields)
Update 23.07.2025: here are the slides. Update 18.07.2025: here is the recording of today’s conference (the slides in ppt format will follow). Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is offering for free and for all staff, an online free webinar to assist you in preparing for the EPSO competition – AST 3 Assistants (3 fields). You will get tips for the application process and an analysis of the tests. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. The session will be in English.
Continue reading Free Webinar: Competition EPSO AST 3 Assistants (3 fields)
Conference: 12.06.2025 reclassification and promotion appeals, Generation 2004 is here to help
***UPDATE: You can find the link to the recording and to the presentation here.***
The 2025 draft reclassification and promotion lists will be published in Sysper on Thursday 12 June. There are now very limited options to influence whether your name is on the final lists when they are published mid-November. We have a lunchtime event planned to explain both what happens next and what those limited options are that are available to you if you find that your name is not on that list (and you believe that it should be). Please prepare for the event and start making notes for a potential appeal. Continue reading Conference: 12.06.2025 reclassification and promotion appeals, Generation 2004 is here to help
Assistants (ASTs) FAQs
*Update 23.09.2025: It’s now official: 50 AST/SCs are to have the (mis)fortune of doing an AST post without the corresponding AST promotion speed or career potential. Check the Draft 2026 Commission budget: ’50 posts in the function group AST may be occupied by officials and temporary staff in the AST/SC function group to reflect the gradual phase-in of the AST/SC function group.’ (p. 955, footnote 1). While the Commission as a whole is set to lose 24 posts, the AST function group is to lose 121 (leaving 4398 permanent staff). No other function group is to decrease in size.*
*Update 26.08.2025 the updated internal competitions time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*
Secretaries and Clerks (AST/SC) FAQs
*Update 23.09.2025: It’s now official: 50 AST/SCs are to have the (mis)fortune of doing an AST post without the corresponding AST promotion speed or career potential. Check the Draft 2026 Commission budget: ’50 posts in the function group AST may be occupied by officials and temporary staff in the AST/SC function group to reflect the gradual phase-in of the AST/SC function group.’ (p. 955, footnote 1). While the Commission as a whole is set to lose 24 posts, the AST function group is to lose 121 (leaving 4398 permanent staff). No other function group is to decrease in size.*
*Update 26.08.2025 the updated internal competitions time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*
Original article: We will add the presentation from our February 2025 event here and below you’ll find an extended version of a frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the questions asked there. Continue reading Secretaries and Clerks (AST/SC) FAQs
ASTs and AST/SCs: promised change: conference
*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 ASTs and AST/SCs: promised change: conference
EEAS: Redefining the Head of Administration role in EU Delegations: A call for clear responsibilities and support
*Update 17.01.2025 the rumoured delegation closures are now also in the press.*
Original article: Generation 2004 EEAS section advocates for fair and realistic work conditions for colleagues in over 144 Delegations around the world. Those conditions must take account of the evolving responsibilities of all staff and roles. Among these, the Head of Administration (HoA) post in EU Delegations stands out as a unique role. Continue reading EEAS: Redefining the Head of Administration role in EU Delegations: A call for clear responsibilities and support
Certification: beware deadlines!
*Update 04.03.2025: we’re disappointed but not surprised at the poor results of the 2023/2024 certification exercise: 22 out of 78 colleagues passed all exams first time. Only 1 out of 7 in the French class.*
*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) Continue reading Certification: beware deadlines!
The first staff regulation reform: a new underclass (long read)
Original article: In 2004, Mr. Neil Kinnock who was the Commission’s Vice-President & Commissioner responsible for the Administrative Reform, delivered his masterpiece: The (first) Staff Regulation Reform. Among the many changes and novelties proposed in the drafts for this ground-breaking reform, was a reduction in the use of Contract Agents (CAs). Incredible, eh? Continue reading The first staff regulation reform: a new underclass (long read)
