Equality

Internal & External Competitions – Contesting the Results : Conference

diversity & inclusion, EPSO, Equality, Events, Internal Competitions, Newsletter-2025-05-08, Training Print This Post

*Update 06.10.2025 the court case querying the legality of nationality-specific competitions is ongoing.*

*Update 26.08.2025 the updated time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*

Original article: We have received an overwhelming number of complaints from colleagues about serious irregularities in recent internal and external competitions: technical failures of the testing platform, problems with the Single Candidate Portal, and questionable content in the knowledge tests based on non-official sources such as the Draghi Report.
Continue reading Internal & External Competitions – Contesting the Results : Conference →

Urgent Call for Reform in European Schools

Education, EEAS, Equality, European Schools, Newsletter-2025-03-26, well-being Print This Post

On 25 March 2025, Generation 2004 External Action Service (EEAS) section hosted a conference addressing the pressing challenges within the European Schools (ESS) system. The event witnessed robust participation, with a full room of colleagues and approximately 30-35 online attendees from the EEAS and the European Commission, all deeply engaged in discussions about the future of our children’s education. Continue reading Urgent Call for Reform in European Schools →

Upcoming Conference: Challenges in European Schools – 25 March 2025

diversity & inclusion, Education, EEAS, Equality, European Schools, Events, Training Print This Post

*Upddate 26.03.2025 please check our summary of this event.*

Original article: Are you concerned about the European Schools system and the challenges it presents for families? Join Generation 2004 – EEAS Section on 25 March (12:30–13:30, hybrid format) for an open discussion on key issues, including long commuting times, teacher shortages, high costs, limited language choice, and inadequate psychological support.
Continue reading Upcoming Conference: Challenges in European Schools – 25 March 2025 →

EEAS: The Future of Local Agents in EU Delegations: A Growing Concern for Stability and Institutional Credibility

EEAS, Equality, Local Agents, Newsletter-2025-03-26, Staff Categories, Working conditions Print This Post

In recent months, a significant shift has been observed in the policy regarding the employment contracts of local agents working in over 140 EU Delegations worldwide. Generation 2004 observes that these colleagues, who have long played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of EU external representation, are now facing a precarious professional situation:
Continue reading EEAS: The Future of Local Agents in EU Delegations: A Growing Concern for Stability and Institutional Credibility →

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Schooling in Belgium

Education, Equality, European Schools, Newsletter-2025-03-26 Print This Post

Disclaimer: “The information presented in this article is based on insights gathered from various social media groups, discussions, and testimonies shared by Brussels-baised colleagues. While we strive to provide accurate and relevant details, we are committed to preserving confidentiality and protecting the privacy of individuals involved.
Continue reading Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Schooling in Belgium →

EPSO: When wishful thinking meets reality 

diversity & inclusion, EPSO, Equality, Newsletter-2025-03-26, Vacancy Print This Post

What at first glance looks like a logical continuation and supplement to the new EPSO competition model is above all one thing: the admission of failure across the board. No matter how rosy the Director General of HR portrays the situation and the new recruitment model, EPSO is not living up to its claim to deliver a better and ultimately faster service and DG HR is now struggling to ensure at least a minimum level of quality in the new recruitment model.  Continue reading EPSO: When wishful thinking meets reality  →

Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion? 

Certification, Equality, Internal Competitions, Junior Professionals Programme, Newsletter-2025-02-28, Professional mobility, Promotions, reclassification, Staff Categories, Working conditions Print This Post

*Update 26.08.2025 the updated time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*

Original article: Opportunities Announced, But Do They Truly Deliver?  The European Commission has announced its internal competitions planning for 2025-2027, introducing more frequent competitions and cross-category mobility up to AD10. This appears to be a positive development at first glance, but a deeper analysis of eligibility criteria and staff demographics raises serious concerns about how inclusive and effective these competitions will be in addressing long-standing career progression issues.  Continue reading Internal Competitions 2025-2027: A Career Breakthrough or a Tactical Diversion?  →

Unlocking Career progression for Contract Agents: untapped potential of GIPS Article 13 

CA screening, Contract Agents, Equality, Internal Competitions, Junior Professionals Programme, Newsletter-2025-02-28, Promotions, reclassification, Staff Categories, Staff Regulations Reform, well-being, Working conditions Print This Post

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  →

Mobility Paradox: Forced to Move or Stuck in Place?

diversity & inclusion, Equality, Newsletter-2025-02-28, Professional mobility, Promotions, Staff Categories, Working conditions Print This Post

Changes in tasks and/or working environment’ (‘mobility’) are inevitable in any workplace, and in organisations the size of the Commission and the external action service (EEAS, with over 144 Delegations around the world) these are seldom user-friendly processes. As often happens within the institutions, the term ‘mobility’ itself covers a huge range of diverse exercises with different rules regarding the level of obligation, the frequency and to whom those rules apply. Continue reading Mobility Paradox: Forced to Move or Stuck in Place? →

Protecting Our Children’s Mental Health: Urgent Reforms Needed in European Schools

Childcare, diversity & inclusion, Education, Equality, European Schools, Health, Newsletter-2025-02-28, well-being, Working conditions Print This Post

The mental health and well-being of children in European Schools (ESS) should be a top priority for the European Schools as well as for the European institutions. Nevertheless, many parents within our community have raised serious concerns about the lack of psychological support, insufficient supervision, and how the system fails to address emotional distress among students. Continue reading Protecting Our Children’s Mental Health: Urgent Reforms Needed in European Schools →