Working conditions

Games People Play at Work: Understanding Hidden Dynamics in Organisations – a conference organised on 24 March 2026

EEAS, Events, Working conditions, workplace bullying and harassment

You can find the presentation of the conference here. The conference took place in EEAS and we had almost 300 participants.

In this session, we  explored the concept of psychological games in organisations, based on the work of Eric Berne, founder of Transactional Analysis. Building on the Dramatic Triangle introduced in our previous conference, we analysed how recurring relational patterns can evolve into structured “games” that impact communication, trust, and professional relationships.

Together, we discussed about:

  • What psychological games are and why we play them
  • The different types of games, and their level of impact
  • The hidden payoffs behind these interactions
  • How certain games can contribute to escalation, conflict, and even psychological harassment
  • Practical ways to identify, interrupt, and exit these games by returning to conscious, responsible communication

This session aimed to provide both insight and practical tools to better navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and foster a healthier professional environment.

The conference was delivered by our colleagues:

  • Andreea Madalina Hincu, Hypnotherapist
  • Monica Nicolle Dimitriu, Trainer & Executive Coach

Please find below the other two conferences held as part of the same series:

When Administrative Rules Shape and Damage a Life: Testimony of a Member

Health, Newsletter-2026-04-17, well-being

After reading the article on in vitro fertilization (IVF) reimbursement, I feel compelled to share my own experience – one that profoundly altered the course of my life and remains painful even years later. 

In 2016, after several years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, my partner and I decided to pursue IVF treatment. At that time, reimbursement required the existence of a formally recognised “pathology.” My request for prior authorisation was refused because no such pathology had been established.  Continue reading When Administrative Rules Shape and Damage a Life: Testimony of a Member →

The trip to nowhere: How European School trips became a nightmare for parents and teachers

Education, Equality, European Schools, Newsletter-2026-04-17

Parents in European School pay overpriced disorganised trips for their kids.
It works as follows: the school organises a trip (for instance, a visit to a museum or to a farm) with pedagogical goals. Most often, the teachers are those arranging all the practical details, choosing the place, the best choices for tickets, the activities and hours…
The file is sent to a travel agency that holds the monopoly so that they buy the tickets and arrange transport and, when needed, accommodation. More often than not, the agency acts slowly so that by the time they buy the whole trip is more expensive than at the time the teachers planned it. 

Continue reading The trip to nowhere: How European School trips became a nightmare for parents and teachers →

From Drama to Awareness – a conference organised on 19 February 2026

EEAS, Events, Working conditions, workplace bullying and harassment

You can find the recording and the presentation of the conference here. The conference took place in EEAS and we had 225 participants.

On 19 February 2026 in Brussels, the first session of a series on Transactional Analysis and psychological harassment in the workplace, From Drama to Awareness, focused on harassment and its dynamics. Harassment was defined as repeated, intentional behaviour (verbal or physical) that intimidates or harms a person, in psychological or sexual forms.

The session also introduced support mechanisms such as mediation services and their role in providing confidential guidance.

Finally, it explored the Drama Triangle (Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor) and its impact on workplace dynamics, and presented the Empowerment Triangle as a more constructive framework promoting responsibility, coaching, and accountability.

Please find below the other two conferences held as part of the same series:

Surrender your mobile phone, it’s an order!

Cyber-security, Data Protection, Newsletter-2026-02-26, well-being, Working conditions, workplace bullying and harassment

As explained in our previous article, the Commission is drafting a Decision that requires all staff to provide their private mobile to be contacted during their rest time. 

Our article, published in September 2025 triggered comments from the administration, claiming that they would prove us wrong by providing updated information. No information was provided, but we still acknowledged what could seem like an intention to correct course by the administration, by informing you in October 2025 of a possible update on the situation.  Continue reading Surrender your mobile phone, it’s an order! →

Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave

Health, Leave, Newsletter-2026-02-26, Social Dialogue, well-being, Working conditions

Have you ever been on sick leave?
Most of you probably have at some point been ill during your time in the Commission. For some of you, the unpleasant experience of being ill, has been made worse by the related administrative process.
Everything relating to sick leave stems from art. 59 of the Staff Regulations, and its interpretation or creative development in the form of GIPs (General implementing provisions) by the administration.

The current version of the GIPs dates from 2004 and after over 20 years the time has come to update this document. For this reason, DG HR, Generation 2004 representatives and other trade unions have been meeting since last November to discuss the proposed changes.  

Continue reading Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave →

Is The New Decision on Geographical balance going to work?

Administrators, diversity & inclusion, Newsletter-2025-12-19

On 6 November 2025 the Commission adopted a decision aimed at enhancing the geographical diversity among its staff. Stephen QUEST, Director-General of DG HR, hailed it as an introduction of measures designed to attract individuals from underrepresented countries to join the Commission.  

 

 

Continue reading Is The New Decision on Geographical balance going to work? →

Generation 2004 Brussels is urgently looking for a Trainee in Communication & Social Media

Education, Training, Vacancy, Working conditions

Generation 2004 Brussels is urgently looking for a Trainee in Communication & Social Media.  For our daily work, Generation 2004 employs a team of committed and dedicated colleagues. We are looking for a trainee who is : A Student in Communication, Public Relations, Digital Media, Marketing, or related fields.
Continue reading Generation 2004 Brussels is urgently looking for a Trainee in Communication & Social Media →

Lunchtime conference with inspiring guest speaker: Breaking the Menopause Taboo: What You, Your Partner, and Your Colleagues Need to Know.

Events, Health, Newsletter-2025-12-19, Training, well-being

***You can find the presentation and the recording here*** Do you have a partner whose reactions seem unusual to you? Do you have a colleague who has recently been more often ill or absent, when it was rarely the case before? Have you ever felt that your memory is failing, your emotions fluctuate, your body goes from hot to cold and vice versa without warning, you have joint and muscle pain, you can’t sleep at night, etc.?
Continue reading Lunchtime conference with inspiring guest speaker: Breaking the Menopause Taboo: What You, Your Partner, and Your Colleagues Need to Know. →

Teleworking for Local Agents: Time for Fairness, Flexibility, and Trust

commuting, EEAS, Equality, Local Agents, Newsletter-2025-10-30, Staff Categories, Working conditions

Teleworking is no longer a privilege – it is a modern and effective way of working that supports productivity, motivation, and work-life balance across the European External Action Service (EEAS).  Yet for Local Agents (LAs) working in EU Delegations around the world, the rules on teleworking remain inconsistent, restrictive, and overly-dependent on local interpretations. Only 1 day of working from home is currently available for local agent colleagues. Continue reading Teleworking for Local Agents: Time for Fairness, Flexibility, and Trust →