On 26 February, representatives from Generation 2004 (G2004), together with other trade unions and the Central Staff Committee, met with Catherine Day, Chair of the High-Level Reflection Group (HLRG), to discuss the Large-Scale Review (LSR). The meeting followed January’s initial exchange with Commissioner Serafin, marking a further step in staff engagement as the Commission shapes its future workforce strategy.
Staff Regulations Reform
Large-Scale Review – A Reality Check from Generation 2004
The Commission recently held its first information session for staff on the Large-Scale Review (LSR), the major reform exercise that is supposed to reshape how the institution works. According to the official narrative, this reform will modernise structures, simplify processes, update our working culture and redesign staffing models so that the Commission becomes more agile, more efficient and “fit for the future”.
That’s the official promise. What we witnessed on 21 November told a different story.
Continue reading Large-Scale Review – A Reality Check from Generation 2004
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’).
Is Modernisation Just a New Word for Austerity?
The President has tasked Commissioner Serafin to ensure that Europe can draw on “a modern, efficient public administration” and has invited him to carry out a ‘large-scale review of the Commission’s organisation and operations’. The first question we can already ask is: Who will be the corresponding ‘high-level reflection group’ and what will be the selection process for that group? Continue reading Is Modernisation Just a New Word for Austerity?
Marriage or Partnership? When EU Law Falls Behind Member States
*Update 02.07.2025 we have corrected several points in the article below and apologise for any confusion caused.*
Original article: Have you ever wondered why, in a progressive and inclusive European Union, your registered partnership – fully recognised by your region or Member State as equivalent to marriage – may still be treated as ‘less than’ by the EU institutions’ social security systems?
Continue reading Marriage or Partnership? When EU Law Falls Behind Member States
Unlocking Career progression for Contract Agents: untapped potential of GIPS Article 13
What is GIPS Article 13 (CA screening) and who can benefit from it ? Article 13 of the general implementing provisions (GIPs) for Article 79(2) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (CEOS) provides a pathway for Contract Agents engaged under article 3a of the CEOS [*] to advance to a higher function group (so-called CA screening), provided they meet certain conditions. Continue reading Unlocking Career progression for Contract Agents: untapped potential of GIPS Article 13
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
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
