Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you online training in English for the European Economic and Social Committee/Comité économique et social européen (EESC/CESE) internal competitions with a special discount rate for our members ONLY. The internal-competitions training is via self study and covers the free-text essay on EU Matters (EESC Internal competitions: AD7/AD5/AST3/AST1/ASTSC2/ASTSC1) Continue reading Training offer: EESC Internal competitions
Internal & External Competitions – Contesting the Results : Conference
*Update 06.10.2025 the court case querying the legality of nationality-specific competitions is ongoing.*
*Update 26.08.2025 the updated time estimates are available under ‘planning’: please note some will take place SOONER than originally stated: don’t miss your chance!*
Original article: We have received an overwhelming number of complaints from colleagues about serious irregularities in recent internal and external competitions: technical failures of the testing platform, problems with the Single Candidate Portal, and questionable content in the knowledge tests based on non-official sources such as the Draghi Report.
Continue reading Internal & External Competitions – Contesting the Results : Conference
Urgent Call for Reform in European Schools
On 25 March 2025, Generation 2004 External Action Service (EEAS) section hosted a conference addressing the pressing challenges within the European Schools (ESS) system. The event witnessed robust participation, with a full room of colleagues and approximately 30-35 online attendees from the EEAS and the European Commission, all deeply engaged in discussions about the future of our children’s education. Continue reading Urgent Call for Reform in European Schools
Internal Competitions: A Fair Shot for Everyone?
*Update 02.10.2025, we’ve seen the publication of the first of the promised internal competitions: the specialist AD7/AD9 financial risk management. It’s disappointing that it does not include ASTs in spite of the statement in the planning that some internal competitions would include ASTs. We are looking at it.*
Continue reading Internal Competitions: A Fair Shot for Everyone?
Upcoming Conference: Challenges in European Schools – 25 March 2025
*Upddate 26.03.2025 please check our summary of this event.*
Original article: Are you concerned about the European Schools system and the challenges it presents for families? Join Generation 2004 – EEAS Section on 25 March (12:30–13:30, hybrid format) for an open discussion on key issues, including long commuting times, teacher shortages, high costs, limited language choice, and inadequate psychological support.
Continue reading Upcoming Conference: Challenges in European Schools – 25 March 2025
EEAS: The Future of Local Agents in EU Delegations: A Growing Concern for Stability and Institutional Credibility
In recent months, a significant shift has been observed in the policy regarding the employment contracts of local agents working in over 140 EU Delegations worldwide. Generation 2004 observes that these colleagues, who have long played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of EU external representation, are now facing a precarious professional situation:
Continue reading EEAS: The Future of Local Agents in EU Delegations: A Growing Concern for Stability and Institutional Credibility
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Schooling in Belgium
Disclaimer: “The information presented in this article is based on insights gathered from various social media groups, discussions, and testimonies shared by Brussels-baised colleagues. While we strive to provide accurate and relevant details, we are committed to preserving confidentiality and protecting the privacy of individuals involved.
Continue reading Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Schooling in Belgium
Wave of rail strikes in Belgium – wake up call for the Administration
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
EPSO: When wishful thinking meets reality
What at first glance looks like a logical continuation and supplement to the new EPSO competition model is above all one thing: the admission of failure across the board. No matter how rosy the Director General of HR portrays the situation and the new recruitment model, EPSO is not living up to its claim to deliver a better and ultimately faster service and DG HR is now struggling to ensure at least a minimum level of quality in the new recruitment model. Continue reading EPSO: When wishful thinking meets reality
No departures from this station – why NEO remains utterly inadequate to plan missions by train
Efforts to make the Commission greener and hence more reliant on rail for business travel (‘missions’) make perfect sense. Unfortunately, they quickly hit a buffer – pun intended. In fact, you often don’t even run the risk of boarding a train in the first place. This is because, for those of you using the online booking tool (NEO) and the travel agency behind it, there is no offer of suitable train journeys. Even though the NEO shortcomings are well known, nothing has changed. Continue reading No departures from this station – why NEO remains utterly inadequate to plan missions by train
