The Commission has started a new path to create options for those with children in European Schools (ESS) and, given the structural overcrowding of the four in Brussels, it starts there. In its announcement, the Commission informs of a new agreement allowing children free schooling at the Accredited European School Brussels-Argenteuil in Waterloo, valid from school year 2025/26 onwards in the EN and FR sections. Continue reading European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels
Working conditions
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
Housing allowance in Luxembourg – finally!
*Update 04.06.2025: Watch out for your notification of entitlement to the new housing allowance via sysper. If you have received nothing by 13.06.2025, check that your place of employment, grade, civil status and place of residence as recorded in Sysper are correct. The contact for all questions is the Staff Center. There are also 2 EU Learn – Information session on housing allowance available
- Tuesday 10 June at 10:00 in French
- Wednesday 11 June at 10:00 in English*
Working for free: it’s worse than we thought
*Update 24.01.2025: You have until Friday 31 January to request the transfer of >12 days of annual leave from 2024 to 2025. Even if your circumstances make this a right, please still request it: don’t miss out!*
Original article: Please use your time for yourself and your own wellbeing! Look below at just how much time colleagues already donate (voluntarily or otherwise) to the Commission and yet it’s still not enough, it’s never enough: there is always more work to be done. Please don’t give your valuable time away for free: there are no rewards and it will become expected of you.
Continue reading Working for free: it’s worse than we thought
EEAS: Addressing Staff Concerns in the EEAS – Actions, Recommendations, and the Road Ahead
Generation 2004 as a staff association (OSP) has as its mission to ensure that the voices of all staff are heard and translated into meaningful action. Recent general staff surveys together with the EEAS staff surveys have provided valuable insights into areas where the administration has made strides and where further improvements are strongly needed.
EEAS: Mobility within the EEAS: Time for Transparency and Adherence to Guidelines
Mobility within the European External Action Service (EEAS) is governed by two administrative decisions on the organisation of an annual internal mobility exercise (ADMIN(2015)14, Ref. Ares(2015)1451726) and implementing
guidelines Ref. (ARES(2024)2219672) that outline the legal framework and set clear guidelines for the mobility process.
Continue reading EEAS: Mobility within the EEAS: Time for Transparency and Adherence to Guidelines
Reducing budgetary loss while granting fairer contract agents contracts
The importance of Contract Agents to the Commission. Contract Agents play a crucial role in the functioning of the European Commission. They provide specialised support across a wide range of areas and contribute significantly to the achievement of the institution’s objectives. Their expertise is indispensable, and they often perform tasks that are vital to the daily operations of various departments. However, despite their importance, Contract Agents are not always sufficiently appreciated or valued. Continue reading Reducing budgetary loss while granting fairer contract agents contracts
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)
Lunchtime conference with inspiring guest speaker: unlock the power of humour at work
*Update 13.12.2024. Here is the recording of this event and the slides.* Original article: Lunchtime event with inspiring guest speaker JACK GILBEY. Are you looking to unlock the power of humour in the workplace and boost your career ? The story of Jack Gilbey, a visionary leadership expert and stand-up comedian, serves as a powerful inspiration.
End-of-year checklist 2024
*Update 19.12.2024 many thanks to the colleague who wrote to clarify that the flu vaccine is no longer reimbursed at 100%.*
Original article: In response to your feedback we try to send this list out a bit earlier in order to give you time to take action. We encourage you to do what you can now in order to be able to use the end-of-year period to rest and to recharge your batteries. This is not an opportunity to get work done! Please, as far as you can, switch off your devices, mute notifications and disconnect: take the time for you. Continue reading End-of-year checklist 2024
