The Backbone of European Schools—Without the Rights. Locally Recruited Teachers (LRTs) play a vital role in the European Schools, ensuring high-quality education for thousands of children. Yet, despite their significant contributions, they face unstable working conditions, unfair contract terms, and a lack of representation – challenges that have been ignored for far too long. Continue reading Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce?
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
Where Has All the Money Gone?
As Generation 2004, we have always stood for fairness, transparency, and the well-being of staff. Today, we must address the grim reality of the European Commission’s cost-saving measures and the devastating impact they have had on staff members and the workplace environment. Billions have been saved, but at what cost?
Training offer : EPSO competitions AD5 Translators (8 languages)
***Update 20.03.2025: Exam took place, offer CLOSED **Update 04.02.2025 AD5 TRANSLATORS: Language knowledge + Language comprehension + Translation + Review TESTS (work group in EN) – FULL GROUP – Registration closed *Update 30/01/2025: as EPSO exam dates for these competitions are earlier that expected, the following has been updated: YSE – AD5 TRANSLATORS (work group in EN): Dates UPDATED: Jan 31, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 17, Feb 22 (9:30 CET), Mar 7 – 18:30 CET. Pre-exam session -I (1h): February 22 – 9:30 (CET, Madrid, Bruselas) (Saturday morning). CLOSED / FULL group: YSE – AD5 TRADUCTORES (grupo de trabajo en ES): Dates UPDATED: Jan 27, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 17, Feb 22 (10:30 CET), Mar 7 – 19:30 CET. Continue reading Training offer : EPSO competitions AD5 Translators (8 languages)
EEAS: Performance Appraisals Exercise for 2025
***Update: you can find the presentation here.*** Friday, 24 January 2025, more than 60 colleagues joined Generation 2004 mini-conference during lunchtime to explore the topic of performance appraisals within the EEAS. The session provided valuable insights into the 2025 appraisal exercise, addressing both the written and unwritten rules of the Career Development Reviews (CDR). Continue reading EEAS: Performance Appraisals Exercise for 2025
Flexibility days 2025 now available to request
For those of you keen to plan the year ahead and organising things to look forward to, note that the 2025 flexibility days are already listed and available to request in sysper. These are the three public holidays every year where you[1] can choose to work and have the days back as annual leave[2]. Even if this is not an option for you at the moment, it’s good to know that this possibility exists. Continue reading Flexibility days 2025 now available to request
EU Delegation restructuring: Have your say & sign now!
Generation 2004, together with US, TAO, R&D, is inviting all delegation colleagues to sign the petition addressed to High representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Síkela to pause the restructuring of EU Delegations until a full consultation with the staff representation takes place.
Continue reading EU Delegation restructuring: Have your say & sign now!
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
European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels
The Commission has started a new path to create options for those with children in European Schools (ESS) and, given the structural overcrowding of the four in Brussels, it starts there. In its announcement, the Commission informs of a new agreement allowing children free schooling at the Accredited European School Brussels-Argenteuil in Waterloo, valid from school year 2025/26 onwards in the EN and FR sections. Continue reading European Schools: more options, starting with Brussels
EEAS: Redefining the Head of Administration role in EU Delegations: A call for clear responsibilities and support
*Update 17.01.2025 the rumoured delegation closures are now also in the press.*
Original article: Generation 2004 EEAS section advocates for fair and realistic work conditions for colleagues in over 144 Delegations around the world. Those conditions must take account of the evolving responsibilities of all staff and roles. Among these, the Head of Administration (HoA) post in EU Delegations stands out as a unique role. Continue reading EEAS: Redefining the Head of Administration role in EU Delegations: A call for clear responsibilities and support
