Staff Categories

JRC event: pension rights

*** Update: You can find the presentation of the conference here. ***

Generation 2004 would like to invite you to a conference for staff in JRCs sites  dedicated to the topic:  ‘Everything you always wanted to know about Pensions rights’.

This conference will follow the regular Lunchtime conference on Pensions Transfer Out, the two events are independent, but together will give a wide overlook on Pensions rights in the European Commission. Continue reading JRC event: pension rights

Unemployment fund in top shape: Will non-permanent staff contributions decrease?

*Update 12.03.2025 refusing a contract renewal is counted as resigning, this is not new, but the information could be made clearer.*

*Update 06.02.2025 It happened! Lower unemployment contribution rate for Contract and Temporary Agents. Thanks to those who brought this to our attention and check your February payslip code CCA. Look what we can achieve together!*

Original article: Did you know that every 2 years the Commission is expected to present a report on the financial situation of the EU unemployment insurance scheme? The last one issued in February 2024 covers the period between 2017 and 2022. You might find it interesting…  Continue reading Unemployment fund in top shape: Will non-permanent staff contributions decrease?

Reinforcing mobility for contract agents 

*Update 17.06.2025: reply from DG HR to our note. Generation2004 has taken a closer look at the potential to change post or DG (‘mobility’) of Contract Agents (both permanent 3A and non-permanent 3B), triggered by the feedback from our members. We are astonished how restrictive and inflexible the system continues to be. We are convinced that a lack of mobility in general hampers career growth which can lead to frustration, demotivation, burnout and contribute to long periods of medical leave. A change is needed! 

Continue reading Reinforcing mobility for contract agents 

Social security fairness for non-permanent staff

***Update 30.07.2024 DG HR position on the payment of unemployment insurance by CAs on permanent (‘indeterminate duration’) contracts (3A)***
Generation2004 believes that the regulation governing social security contributions and pensions can be tricky, to say the least. Unlike officials, contract and temporary agents find themselves subject to additional deductions labelled as CCA ‘Unemployment insurance (personal contribution)’ code on their payslip, referring specifically to unemployment insurance Continue reading Social security fairness for non-permanent staff

Securing pensions for Contract & Temporary Agents during unemployment

*Update 12.03.2025 refusing a contract renewal is counted as resigning, this is not new, but the information could be made clearer.*

Original article: Your Contract Agent CA3B (or a different non-permanent) contract at the European Commission has ended. Despite your determination to continue contributing to the EU project, you can no longer work directly for the Commission (e.g. you have reached six years as CA3B).  You can work for another institution or for the Commission,  but on a different contract than CA3B.

Continue reading Securing pensions for Contract & Temporary Agents during unemployment

Training offer for EPSO Competitions

* Update 04.02.2025, Training closed. * Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you online training for EPSO competitions with a special discount rate for our members.  The offer includes modules on Self-study Multiple Choice Questionnaires (MCQ) and reasoning Computer Based Tests (CBT).  All training modules will be in English.

Continue reading Training offer for EPSO Competitions

Empowering contract agents: Generation 2004 calls for amendments to 7- year rule

***Update 15.10.2025 DG HR position on the application of the anti-cumulation (‘7-year’) rule***
Original article: We would like to inform you that following your numerous and regular questions
concerning the 7-year rule (originally 6-year rule)[1] which applies to Contract Agents (CA) 3B, we submitted an official note to the administration requesting clarification on its application and ultimately the extension of the 7-year rule by 3 additional years.  The rationale behind this request is clear, but we know that 10 years is generally avoided since this is the threshold for entitlement to an EU pension.

Continue reading Empowering contract agents: Generation 2004 calls for amendments to 7- year rule

Conference: the 2024 reclassification and promotion appeals season opens Thursday 13 June, Generation 2004 is here to help

Every year, the promotion and reclassification procedures, for officials and Contract Agents (CAs) respectively, go through several stages to culminate in formal recognition (or not) for the job performed during the previous years. During the first stage, your DG’s hierarchy put together draft reclassification and promotion lists according to the DG quota distribution. Continue reading Conference: the 2024 reclassification and promotion appeals season opens Thursday 13 June, Generation 2004 is here to help

Online Conference – Local Agents Salary method – Time to adapt to the reality on the ground

The current salary-revision method for Local Agents, and the idea of “One system fits all”, is not working in many of the EU 140 Delegations all over the world.  The idea behind any salary update in the world is to make sure that the organisation’s salaries are competitive, keep employees satisfied, and do what they can to attract and retain the best people. Continue reading Online Conference – Local Agents Salary method – Time to adapt to the reality on the ground

Locals Agents Salary Method – Time to adapt to the reality on the ground!

It is clear that the current salary method, and the idea of “One system fits all” in some 140 Delegations all over the world is not working. Here are some insights and suggestions.

The idea behind any salary update in the world is to make sure that the organisation’s salaries are competitive, keep employees satisfied, and do what they can to attract and retain the best people. This is also the case for the European External Action Service (EEAS). Continue reading Locals Agents Salary Method – Time to adapt to the reality on the ground!