Training offer: Study groups 3 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Administrators, EPSO, Events, Newsletter-2026-02-26 Print This Post

*Update 9.03.2026: both study groups are now full. Registration is therefore closed, and the registration links and corresponding discount codes are no longer available*

*Update 16.02.2026: the study group 3 in Spanish is now full. Registration is therefore closed, and the registration links and corresponding discount codes are no longer available*

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the third round of online training for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in English as well as in Spanish and sessions will be recorded.

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Breaking the glass ceiling: structural barriers facing contract agents in internal competitions

Contract Agents, Newsletter-2026-02-26 Print This Post

*Update 16.02.26: See the latest DG HR reply under references*

Many Contract Agents see internal competitions within the European Commission as an opportunity for professional advancement and greater career stability. However, in practice, both regulatory (see also point 17a of CAs FAQ) and operational obstacles often limit the effectiveness of these competitions. Contract agents encounter structural constraints rooted in the staff regulations (CEOS) as well as practical difficulties related to recruitment outcomes and job availability. These challenges risk undermining both staff motivation and the Commission’s ability to retain experienced personnel. 

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Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2026?

Events, Newsletter-2026-02-26, Promotions, reclassification Print This Post

*** Update – You can find the recording and the presentation here ***

The whole appraisal and promotion/reclassification processes can be a bit of a mystery. It’s not always clear how DGs choose who to reward, nor why some years appear to be better than others. There might be situations suggesting that some staff were less favoured.

What happens between now and the publication of the draft promotion/reclassification lists in June? And what happens between then and the publication of the final lists in November? 

For a clear reply on this and other related questions,  

Attend our event
Thursday, 5th February 2026 12.30-14.30  Continue reading Conference: How to increase your chances to get a promotion/reclassification in 2026? →

Training offer: Study groups 2 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates

Administrators, EPSO, Events, Newsletter-2026-01-13 Print This Post

Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to the second round of online training for the competition for AD5 Generalists/Graduates, with a special discount rate for our members. The offer contains modules in English as well as in Spanish and sessions will be recorded.

 

Continue reading Training offer: Study groups 2 for EPSO competitions AD5 Generalists/Graduates →

Call for Candidates: Building on Our Success – Local Staff Committee Elections in Petten

Local elections, Local Staff Committee, Newsletter-2026-01-13, Petten Print This Post

*Update: elections will be held from 19 March, at 11:30, until 26 march, at 12:30. Deadline for submission of candidates: 2 march. Please get in touch with us by Friday 28 February, lunchtime*

At the end of last year, Generation 2004 once again confirmed its strong position in the Local Staff Committee elections in Luxembourg, retaining the title of the biggest single staff organisation in the European Commission. This result reflects the trust colleagues place in our work and the commitment of our candidates and members. 

We are now launching a call for candidates for the upcoming Local Staff Committee elections at the European Commission Petten site, starting, where the election process is expected to move very quickly.   Continue reading Call for Candidates: Building on Our Success – Local Staff Committee Elections in Petten →

Disposable mobile phones: a new trend at the Commission?

Newsletter-2026-01-13 Print This Post

Each year, hundreds, if not thousands,  of colleagues are effectively forced to replace their mobile phones in order to retain access to a work profile and Commission applications while on the move. This has probably already happened to many of you! 

Although using your personal device for work is not an official requirement – and should not be, as we have repeatedly highlighted in previous notes to the Administration, staff are increasingly expected to be always connected: to reply to emails rapidly, to remain reachable outside normal working hours, to participate in last-minute online meetings, and so on.  

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Is The New Decision on Geographical balance going to work?

Administrators, diversity & inclusion, Newsletter-2025-12-19 Print This Post

On 6 November 2025 the Commission adopted a decision aimed at enhancing the geographical diversity among its staff. Stephen QUEST, Director-General of DG HR, hailed it as an introduction of measures designed to attract individuals from underrepresented countries to join the Commission.  

 

 

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Attractiveness à la Luxembourgeoise: Or How “Stay 4 Years” Became the New HR Strategy

Luxembourg, Professional mobility, Uncategorized Print This Post

For years, we’ve been told that Luxembourg suffers from an “attractiveness problem.” Housing is expensive, life is expensive, childcare is expensive and yet, instead of tackling those issues, some now suggest that the solution is… to hold people in Luxembourg for 3–4 years (Point 6 c) to f) of the notice of the competition). This mobility-limiting clause, appearing in some Luxembourg-based competitions, is being used unlike in other sites. 

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Oops… We Did It Again! Generation 2004 Keeps the Lead in Luxembourg

Local Staff Committee, Luxembourg, Newsletter-2025-12-19 Print This Post

Generation 2004 sincerely thanks all colleagues in Luxembourg who placed their trust in us during the 2025 Local Staff Committee elections. Thanks to your support, we achieved an 8.4% increase in our share of the vote compared to the previous elections, reaching 28.57% of all valid ballots and  securing six elected pairs, who will represent Luxembourg staff interests in all matters affecting them at both the Local Staff Committee and the Central Staff Committee levels. 

Continue reading Oops… We Did It Again! Generation 2004 Keeps the Lead in Luxembourg →