Update 23.07.2025: here are the slides. Update 18.07.2025: here is the recording of today’s conference (the slides in ppt format will follow). Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is offering for free and for all staff, an online free webinar to assist you in preparing for the EPSO competition – AST 3 Assistants (3 fields). You will get tips for the application process and an analysis of the tests. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. The session will be in English.
Continue reading Free Webinar: Competition EPSO AST 3 Assistants (3 fields)
JRC staff policy – high ambitions, ugly realities
Update 07.07.2025: In the meantime, the Head of Unit responsible for sacking the two Contract Agents and previously accused of harassing a number of other colleagues has been proposed for promotion with just two years of seniority in the grade, two years less than the average in that grade. What do we learn from that?
Continue reading JRC staff policy – high ambitions, ugly realities
Brussels Canteens: rising prices, shrinking wages
Price increase confirmed – Generation 2004 calls for support for the most vulnerable. Meal prices in the European Commission’s canteens in Brussels are set to increase by 4.2%, as confirmed by the Head of Unit responsible for the catering in OIB, during the Local Staff Committee Brussels (LSC Brussels) meeting on Tuesday 1 July.
Continue reading Brussels Canteens: rising prices, shrinking wages
EEAS: Reforming the performance appraisal system – Your Voice Matters!
On 30 June, Generation 2004 hosted an open lunchtime brainstorming session on the performance appraisal system in External Action Service (EEAS). Building on internal consultations with our members and staff representatives, we wanted to hear from all colleagues about their real-life experiences and frustrations with the current system.
Continue reading EEAS: Reforming the performance appraisal system – Your Voice Matters!
Qualified but discounted: The hidden injustice in EU hiring
*Update 06.10.2025: the issues outlined below are often called ‘juniorisation‘ within the Commission, but this term is not widely understood.*
Original article: Many colleagues across the EU institutions are increasingly frustrated by outdated and overly rigid eligibility rules in EPSO competitions, institutional vacancy notices and CAST recruitment. One of the most problematic aspects is the requirement that only professional experience acquired after obtaining the minimum required qualification counts toward eligibility.
Continue reading Qualified but discounted: The hidden injustice in EU hiring
Luxembourg: Update on JMO2 – Letter from OIL
“We have recently been informed by the architect in charge of the JMO2 project that we are likely to experience further delays with the delivery of the building.“ sounds the joint message from Mr Quest and Mr Miranda-Vizuete. How did you feel when you read this sentence?
Continue reading Luxembourg: Update on JMO2 – Letter from OIL
Luxembourg: Additional admin – EU education allowance and state aid
Here’s how to navigate an additional administrative burden for those of you in Luxembourg with dependent children in higher (tertiary) education. The assistance available from the Luxembourg state interacts with the EU education allowance in unexpected ways, make sure to avoid surprises! Continue reading Luxembourg: Additional admin – EU education allowance and state aid
What Permanent Representation (should not) know about you?
*Update 25.09.2025 See related supervisory opinion on case 2023-1231.*
Remember our article of 25 September 2024, where we wrote about dubious and questionable (if not illegal) transfers of our personal data to the permanent representation of Member States by DG HR? One of our members, Rafal Stanecki took the matter further.
Continue reading What Permanent Representation (should not) know about you?
Revisiting GIPS: a route for better conditions for contract agents
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?
