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
well-being
Teleworking from anywhere: A question of fairness and modernisation in the EU administration
*Update 26.08.2025 here’s the new link with instructions on how to encode those TWA/TWOPE days, note that even Blue Book trainees can have 5 days.*
Original article: An already-outdated policy in a new era of work? The need for teleworking change, especially within the External Action Service (EEAS) and Brussels (‘HQ’) rules. In a world where remote work has proven not only feasible but often preferable, the teleworking and teleworking from anywhere (TWA) policies remain a little too rigid and, to many, stuck in the past.
Conference – Finding peace in family conflict: The power of mediation
Are you:
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- Facing a divorce or separation and would like to go through it in a peaceful way?
- Willing to clarify your relationship by a clear and efficient communication with your spouse or partner?
- Lost on how to cope with any kind of other familiar conflict?
- Or just want to know more about this subject?
Our guest Mário Tenreiro, one of our colleagues, is a certified Mediator with a specialty in Family Mediation. He will be happy to share his knowledge and answer your questions. Continue reading Conference – Finding peace in family conflict: The power of mediation
10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents
Generation 2004 has been at the forefront of advocating for Contract Agents, consistently pushing for fairer employment conditions, better career prospects, and greater recognition of their contributions. Over the years, we have actively engaged with the administration, raising awareness of the systemic challenges contract agents face: barriers to career advancement, limited access to internal competitions, unfair contractual terms, and restricted mobility within the institution. Continue reading 10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents
Brave new world at the Commission: the day the staff representation was abolished
I wake up and it is just another ordinary day. I prepare breakfast and get my child ready. Then head to the crèche before going to the office. But to my great surprise, the crèche is closed. Nobody seems to be around. When I finally spot someone I know, I ask what is going on. Maybe a strike? “Not really. Weren’t you informed? Continue reading Brave new world at the Commission: the day the staff representation was abolished
EEAS: Frozen diplomacy – When 17°C in some offices meets european bureaucracy
Imagine this: you’re walking through the halls of the EEAS Belmont building in Brussels. It’s a cold day—no surprise there. But this isn’t the sort of chill you expect from a brisk Brussels winter. No, this is a bone-rattling cold that makes you wish you had packed a sleeping bag, thermal socks, and perhaps a few extra layers of diplomacy…
Continue reading EEAS: Frozen diplomacy – When 17°C in some Offices meets european bureaucracy
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
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.
Generation 2004: Your Voice in the European Commission
At the European Commission, staff representation is the cornerstone of ensuring fairness and equality in the workplace. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-serving colleague, understanding how that representation works and why it matters is essential. Generation 2004 is here to ensure that your voice is heard, that your concerns are addressed, and that your workplace evolves to meet your needs. Continue reading Generation 2004: Your Voice in the European Commission
Why you don’t have to wait for retirement to pursue your dreams
** Update 03.03.2025, As promised, Gudrun is sharing her Dream Activation Kit, a powerful resource designed to help you gain clarity, unlock your potential, and take the first steps toward your dream life. This free kit includes a 12 step guided roadmap, a self-assessment quiz, a unique guided somatic embodiement exercice and an exclusive free Dream Activation Call with Gudrun to support your transformation. 👉 Get access here (from a private computer or your mobile phone):
https://shandora.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1168412
Continue reading Why you don’t have to wait for retirement to pursue your dreams
