The current General Implementing Provisions (GIPs) – C(2017)6760 governing the working conditions of Contract Agents (CAs) have been in place since 2017. While these provisions contributed to better alignment of rules between CAs (3a and 3b), they still reflect some systemic inequalities faced by contract staff, who remain the most undervalued and exploited staff category. Continue reading Revisiting GIPS: a route for better conditions for contract agents
Time for change: out-of-date restrictions on assisted fertility?
Let the European Institutions lead the way forward, not hold us back with outdated rules. In a world where medical science is advancing rapidly and professional careers increasingly shape personal timelines, the EU institutions and their Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS) must ensure policies keep pace with technical and societal advances and follow the best practices seen in Member States. Commission Decision C(2023) 7673, updates its 2007 predecessor in order to broaden access to parenthood, but does it go far enough? Continue reading Time for change: out-of-date restrictions on assisted fertility?
Breaking news: You can now combine parental leave with TWA
*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
Luxembourg Housing allowance – landing in your payslip this month!
The Luxembourg housing allowance is finally there! If you are eligible, then you should see it in your payslip for July 2025, under the code “LUX”. We will not repeat the detailed conditions that you must fulfil to receive it: you can look them up Staff Centre.
Continue reading Luxembourg Housing allowance – landing in your payslip this month!
EEAS: Modernisation of the Delegation Network: What’s Really Happening?
A major restructuring of the EU Delegation network is underway and while management frames it as a “modernisation,” many staff are left with more questions than answers. At the end of May 2025, key representatives from the EEAS and Commission services presented an overview of “the modernisation of the EU Delegation network” to the TUSA (Trade Union and Staff Associations). Continue reading EEAS: Modernisation of the Delegation Network: What’s Really Happening?
EEAS: “One Day Only?” The Battle Over Teleworking Rights for Local Agents
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
Generation 2004 is hiring a secretary in the European Commission in Brussels
For our daily work in supporting all our staff, Generation 2004 employs a team of committed and dedicated colleagues. Please do not hesitate to share this message with trustable colleagues who share our values and fulfil the conditions. If you are a Contract Agent FG II (in the Commission, trade unions and staff associations are limited to employing CAs FG II for this type of post) OR If you have a valid CAST.
Continue reading Generation 2004 is hiring a secretary in the European Commission in Brussels
Marriage or Partnership? When EU Law Falls Behind Member States
*Update 02.07.2025 we have corrected several points in the article below and apologise for any confusion caused.*
Original article: Have you ever wondered why, in a progressive and inclusive European Union, your registered partnership – fully recognised by your region or Member State as equivalent to marriage – may still be treated as ‘less than’ by the EU institutions’ social security systems?
Continue reading Marriage or Partnership? When EU Law Falls Behind Member States
Summer holiday 2025 checklist (Tips)
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.*
EEAS: Internal Competitions – Free workshop
Update 23.06.2025: Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this workshop has to be cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience. You may want to review the recording of a previous session which is still valid. Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you a free online Webinar in English on the EEAS internal competitions. The session will address the tests (MCQ and written) of this competition.
Continue reading EEAS: Internal Competitions – Free workshop
