Working conditions

Duty Calls: Navigating the Challenges of Standby Duty at EEAS

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Standby duty sounds straightforward enough — a formal, organised service, available to respond to well-defined emergencies within a specific timeframe. But for many staff, including those in the External Action Service (EEAS), the reality is far from simple. Theoretically, within the EEAS at least, those colleagues on standby duty have access to designated Duty Phones—reliable devices meant to keep them connected during emergencies.

Continue reading Duty Calls: Navigating the Challenges of Standby Duty at EEAS →

Challenges of unpaid leave for contract agents 

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Are you a contract agent or temporary agent who needs time off and annual leave is not enough? Are you considering applying for unpaid leave? Or perhaps you have submitted a request that was denied? Based on feedback from our members, we are examining the complexities surrounding unpaid leave for personal reasons. 

Continue reading Challenges of unpaid leave for Contract Agents  →

Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents 

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*Update 21.11.2024 check out the European Court of Auditors, 2024, Special report 24/2024: EU Civil service–A flexible employment framework, insufficiently used to improve workforce management: it concludes that ‘While the recruitment of temporary staff has proven an effective and flexible way to deal with the shortage of successful candidates on EPSO reserve lists, it carries some risks for business continuity and knowledge management, and as such cannot be a viable long-term solution‘ (Paragraph 100)*

Continue reading Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents  →

Upcoming changes to the mission guide 

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An update of the currently-in-force version of the work travel (‘mission’) guide (dating from 2017), has been in negotiations between the HR and the trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) since May 2023. The good news is that we are finally approaching its conclusion. At this stage we cannot present you details since they have not been adopted yet, but we can fill you in on what is coming. 

Continue reading Upcoming changes to the mission guide  →

‘Voluntary’ availability during end-of-year break

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We are aware of colleagues being asked to ‘voluntarily’[1] declare their availability to ‘ensure business continuity’[2] during the end-of-year stop (23.12.2024-02.01.2025). Given that many staff will already have their laptop with them, whether that’s to use the 10 telework from anywhere (TWA) days, to accommodate the routine building closures at this time of year[3] or to work around cold Offices, it can seem a little predatory to then ask when (not whether) colleagues are available during these rest days for unspecified and as-yet-unmeasured tasks. As though no one would have the intention of filling that time with their own plans!

Continue reading ‘Voluntary’ availability during end-of-year break →

Cold? leave a paper trail!

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It’s that time of year again and several of you have got in touch to say that your workspace is below the legal minimum temperature of 19°C in Brussels and 20°C in Luxembourg. We raise this point everywhere we can, but so far it is falling on deaf ears. What can we all do about it? We ask you to make some noise. Please contact your proximity team [1] every time you suspect that your work area is below the minimum temperature.

Continue reading Cold? leave a paper trail! →

General pension FAQs

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*Update 07.11.2025, thanks to the almost 130 colleagues who attended o our event! We have updated the FAQs with your questions! Here’s the presentation. For the guest speaker presentation please click here to request it. Also, please check out EULearn pension training.*

*Update 06.11.2025 our intention is for this list to be searchable, hence the repetition of some information. We link also to a recent PMO presentation on pensions.*

Original article: To supplement our frequently asked questions (FAQs) on pension transfers, we add this FAQ for all of the other questions we receive on pensions in general.  Continue reading General pension FAQs →

Transfer of pension rights FAQs

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*Update 07.11.2025, thanks to the almost 130 colleagues who attended o our event! We have updated the FAQs with your questions! Here’s the presentation. For the guest speaker presentation please click here to request it. Also, please check out EULearn pension training.*

*Update 06.11.2025 our intention is for this list to be searchable, hence the repetition of some information. We link also to a recent PMO presentation on pensions.*

Original article: The pension scheme of the European Union institutions (PSEUI) is for all institutions and most agencies. Check out our general pension FAQ. Regardless of whether you work in the Parliament, Council or Commission and whether you are an official, a Temporary Agent or a Contract Agent (‘statutory staff‘) you are probably making contributions to the PSEUI.

The exception would be local agents[*] and those not directly employed by the institutions, such as seconded national experts. Continue reading Transfer of pension rights FAQs →

End of service: IT access

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This topic came out of our October sessions on pensions but the information is applicable to anyone leaving the Commission whether that’s at the end of a contract, to retire or for several other reasons. According to your circumstances, you might need access to the IT systems  to submit medical costs, to get certificates or to manage the EU unemployment allowance[1]. Continue reading End of service: IT access →

JRC event: pension rights

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*** 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 →