Assistants

Assistants (ASTs) FAQs

*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. We update and republish the questions below to accommodate this change.*

Continue reading Assistants (ASTs) FAQs

Secretaries and Clerks (AST/SC) FAQs

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.

If there’s something here that you can add to, that you’d like more information on or that you’d like to challenge (we’re open to all input!) then please get in touch: we’re here for you !  Thanks very much to all who attended! 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)

*Update 15.01.2025, Here’s our December note on the technical difficulties in application process in a call for expression of interest for the internal competition JPP14 (French and German as language 2).*

*Update 20.12.2024, Here’s our Note to HR on European Court of Auditors Special report: European Court of Auditors, 2024, Special report 24/2024EU Civil service–A flexible employment framework, insufficiently used to improve workforce management* Continue reading The first staff regulation reform: a new underclass (long read)

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

ASTs: exploited and forgotten or given a future? 

*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. Participation in these competitions can be done in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading ASTs: exploited and forgotten or given a future? 

Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff

*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 Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff

Certification 2024/25: and so it begins!

*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. Participation in these competitions can be done in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading Certification 2024/25: and so it begins!