Equal recognition for language exams

*Update 28.10.2025 here’s the response to our note, which makes no mention of the  issue of staff being denied the opportunity to attend an in-person exam.*

*Update 18.09.2025: we’ve added a language-level-equivalence table below, many thanks to the reader who provided this. *

Original article: Here’s one more issue raised by staff:  Generation 2004 was contacted by colleagues across different staff categories, including Contract Agents 3b,  who were refused permission to attend in-person final exams for the in-house 12-level language courses. One reason given was that at this stage they are not required to validate their third language under the staff regulations or Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (CEOS).
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Multiple-choice tests under scrutiny

The use of multiple-choice tests (multiple choice questions (MCQ) and computer-based tests (CBT)) in internal and EPSO competitions has come under fire due to concerns over their effectiveness and fairness. These tests, which are widely used to assess candidates’ knowledge and skills, have been found to have several pitfalls, including technical issues, translation problems, and, above all, poorly designed questions. Continue reading Multiple-choice tests under scrutiny

Preparing for Competitions: Generation 2004’s Guide to Resources

Generation 2004 regularly organises, free workshops to help you prepare for EPSO and internal competitions. Our main partner is  Yasemos Europeos, and together we provide high-quality, accessible learning resources. We are also happy to share additional curated materials that can further support your preparation.
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What Do Staff Representatives Work On? 

If you’re facing a problem at work, have a question about your rights, or need help navigating a difficult situation, you don’t have to go through it alone. Staff representatives are here to listen, guide, and support colleagues regardless of staff category or contract type.   Being a staff representative means more than attending meetings.
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Telework from elsewhere or anywhere or abroad?

*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.
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Is Modernisation Just a New Word for Austerity? 

The President has tasked Commissioner Serafin to ensure that Europe can draw on “a modern, efficient public administration” and has invited him to carry out a ‘large-scale review of the Commission’s organisation and operations’. The first question we can already ask is: Who will be the corresponding ‘high-level reflection group’ and what will be the selection process for that group Continue reading Is Modernisation Just a New Word for Austerity? 

Training offer: EPSO AST3 in Communication

*Update 10.09.2025, this EPSO competition is now closed to new applications.*

Our Training partner Yasemos Europeos, has a special  offer with a 20% discount rate for our members. The package contains: Study group for reasoning, MCQ and EUFTE tests for the EPSO competition on AST/157/25 Assistants (AST 3) in Communication.
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Training offer: EEAS Internal competitions – AD6 – AST2 – AST-SC2

*Update 10.09.2025, these internal competitions are now closed to new applications.*

Original article: Our Training partner Yasemos Europeos, has a special  offer with a discount rate for our members. The package contains EEAS Internal competitions – AD6 – AST2 – AST-SC2: Self-study MCQ test on knowledge on the EU and its institutions.  The content is in English.

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Free Webinar: Competition EPSO AST 3 Assistants (3 fields)

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.
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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