The recent AD7 internal competition introduced a new cognitive assessment based on the SHL General Ability Test.
While innovation in selection methods is not inherently problematic, the feedback received from candidates raises important questions about both the implementation of the test and its relevance for assessing experienced officials.
Most of us joined the EU institutions believing that the rules would protect us. That professional performance would matter.
This case challenges that assumption. Continue reading What are the limits of administrative discretion? A case that concerns us all
This question must have already passed by your head. With passing time, it can be coming more often.
Here is some basic information.
A respectful workplace is where integrity, fairness, collaboration, professionalism and trust are the norm. It involves treating colleagues with dignity, fairness, and kindness, creating a safe environment where everyone feels valued and comfortable, regardless of background or position.
Continue reading Respect@work = Zero-tolerance culture for harassment
Different practices among the Commission
Generation 2004 has recently been contacted by colleagues regarding their concerns over differing practices across Commission services concerning invitations to CAST selection procedures.
Spending behaviour patterns for EU staff in Belgium is used for calculating the ‘JBLI COEFFICIENT ‘, while 20% of staff lives in Luxembourg.
The 2026 Family Budget Survey, one of the important components for calculating the correction coefficients, was launched on the 11th of March for staff living in Belgium. Unfortunately, spending habits of staff in Luxembourg, who also have the 100% coefficient (=Brussels), is not considered for this exercise, as the bilateral parities are only calculated with reference to Brussels (Article 1(1) of Annex XI to the staff regulations).
Continue reading Spending in Luxembourg is not taken into account
In line with the current trends of invading staff private phones, several colleagues have raised our attention to the fact that Ares requires the use of private devices for verification.
Continue reading Staff obliged to use private mobile phones to use Ares
As explained in our previous articles, the Commission is preparing a Decision that requires all staff to provide their private mobile to be contacted during their rest time.
Advancement opportunities for Contract Agents (CAs) are often perceived as limited. Various mechanisms for career progression exist, but they differ considerably in terms of accessibility. Some are automatic, some require significant effort, some depend on available resources, and others are subject to restrictions that make them far less accessible in practice than they appear on paper.
Generation 2004 has formally contacted EPSO regarding the postponement of the reserve list publication for competition EPSO/AST/157/25 – Digital Communication.
Candidates recently discovered that the indicative publication date has been moved from July 2026 to October 2026. At the time of writing, no explanation has been communicated to candidates regarding the reasons for this delay.
