Generation 2004 continues to advocate for a revised teleworking policy that reflects the values of a modern EU administration. In order to collect the view of our colleagues, we launched a survey in July on teleworking, teleworking from abroad and travelling to work.
What is your view? Is our employer modern and attractive enough or do you think the attractiveness can be increased by more flexibility on teleworking and teleworking from anywhere? Is there already enough flexibility?
The new rules on voluntary teleworking apply to Local Staff in EU Delegations and Offices, who can now telework 1 full day per week or 2 half-days. Roles requiring physical presence, extensive face-to-face interaction or special handling of sensitive information, are generally excluded and cannot telework.
Generation 2004 continues to fight for more teleworking days from abroad. In a situation where energy costs and fuel prices are continuously increasing, more flexibility on teleworking from anywhere would facilitate the life for many colleagues with family far away from their place of employment. More flexibility on teleworking from anywhere would also boost the attractiveness of our employer.
*Update 30.06.2026: you can find here the presentation and the recording of the meeting*
On 26 June, Generation 2004 held an online lunchtime meeting to update members on key staff issues, followed by a Q&A session.
The meeting focused on the Commission’s Large-Scale Review, with Generation 2004 stressing that any reforms must respect the staff regulations, protect careers and be based on genuine social dialogue.
Continue reading Generation 2004 lunchtime meeting: key updates
Following the joint request submitted by Generation 2004 and U4U, DG HR organised a social dialogue meeting on the impact of the current geopolitical and energy situation on staff. We welcome the fact that DG HR chose to engage directly with staff representatives rather than simply replying in writing.
Continue reading Energy Costs: social dialogue Opens the Door, But Flexibility Must Come First
*Update 25.09.2025 The outcome of the court case related to the removal of the expatriation allowance for some staff in the Parliament while working from outside the place of employment during Covid is added as footnote [**].*
Original article: Generation 2004 has consistently asked for an extension of the current 10-day quota to telework from anywhere (also sometimes erroneously called ‘telework from abroad’) (TWA). DG HR’s often-used argument to reject this request is that the average use of this possibility remains well below the 10 days given.
Continue reading Telework from elsewhere or anywhere or abroad?
*Update 26.08.2025 here’s the new link with instructions on how to encode those TWA days, note that even Blue Book trainees can have 5 days.*
Original article: Generation 2004 is glad to announce that from now on, you can combine any type of leave – including parental leave – with teleworking from outside the place of employment, or teleworking from anywhere (TWA). We particularly thank Mr Quest, the Director-General of HR for his positive reply to our long-standing request
Continue reading Breaking news: You can now combine parental leave with TWA
In an era where “flexibility” is a buzzword and remote work a norm, local agents (LAs) in Delegations find themselves limited to just one day of teleworking per week. That’s the core of the draft decision currently being debated inside EEAS, in a growing wave of staff disappointment.
Continue reading EEAS: “One Day Only?” The Battle Over Teleworking Rights for Local Agents
For those of you who remain in the office keeping the Commission standing (thanks!), please check out the heatwave instructions for dealing with hot Offices and the list of buildings to be temporarily closed under Buildings Energy Saving Together (BEST) 2025[1]. Read our related article on how these closures undermine that working from home is voluntary.*
Following the 2024 Belgian federal election, and prolonged negotiations, a new Belgian federal government has finally been in place since 3 February 2025. This economically-right-oriented government has come up with a list of measures in the areas of taxation, employment and unemployment, pension, security, immigration, mobility, climate, defence.
Continue reading Wave of rail strikes in Belgium – wake up call for the Administration
