In our earlier article on this matter we raised concerns over the two models described in the first draft of the paper on the “Reflections on the future structure of the Brussels European Schools”. Following the meeting of the Enlarged group of the Steering Committee Brussels on 31 May 2022, this paper was revised and following its publication, a group of parents from the Brussels’ European School 2 – Woluwe, took on the task of drafting a document that not only highlighted the raised issues in detail, but also went the extra step and constructively proposed a long-term solution for the current situation. Continue reading A constructive debate on the Future of the Brussels’ European Schools
Hybrid working guidelines for DGs and Delegations, what should we expect?
*Update 10.03.2023 in January 2023 the Commission abandoned its draft guidelines in favour of reworking the frequently asked questions (FAQs).*
Generation 2004 firmly believes that the EU institutions should focus on impact and output rather than the means of work. When the pandemic has shown that, for many roles, teleworking can be as effective as office presence (and is considered equivalent), why does the EU appear to prefer to go back in time? Why burden colleagues with again finding balance, having to revamp their schedules and routines with the associated stresses in order to be present in their place of employment rather than letting them continue to telework in peace, efficiently, effectively, and happily? Continue reading Hybrid working guidelines for DGs and Delegations, what should we expect?
Summer holiday checklist (Tips)
*For those of you who remain in the office keeping the Commission standing, please check out the heatwave instructions for dealing with hot Offices *
With many of us now looking forward to enjoying some well-deserved leave over the summer, we remind you that annual leave is your time to do with as you will. It is not there for you to catch up on work still needing done, it is not there for you to ‘clear your feet’ with projects, it is not there for you to monitor what is or is not happening back in the office. Being reachable all of the time is draining, contributes to burnout and can allow bullying/harassment to continue round the clock and unabated. Take this time for you and leave the office behind! Continue reading Summer holiday checklist (Tips)
It happened to me!
Life can be surprising, and life in the Commission can be surprising too. If you have encountered an eyebrow-raising situation, please share it with us!
We are proposing to start a new column dedicated to your experiences: we’d like you to tell us how it’s possible to get caught up between different rules (or different ways of applying the same rule) or to find yourself scratching your head thinking ‘come on, is this normal?’ Continue reading It happened to me!
Generation 2004 conference: How to draft an appeal
***EEAS reclassification list is published 11.07.2022. Our conference is over but you can still watch the Recording!!! ***
For those of you not proposed for promotion or reclassification and who feel the reason is not related to your performance but to other reasons: change of unit/department, parental/maternity leave, change of line manager, personal conflicts etc., you may file an appeal in Sysper.
Generation 2004 will discuss how to draft such an appeal and answer your questions. The conference will take place on Thursday 16 June 2022 from 12.00 to 14.00 via WebEx. Continue reading Generation 2004 conference: How to draft an appeal
Prioritize internal Local Agents recruitment in EU Delegations
As noticed by many colleagues in Delegations, the recruitment procedures for vacant posts for Local Agents are advertised internally and externally at the same time. One cannot avoid asking: Why would management search by default for candidates externally, instead of first providing a path of career growth to its existing talent?
We believe that unless a Delegation is extremely small, there is always the possibility to fill the post by internal candidates. Continue reading Prioritize internal Local Agents recruitment in EU Delegations
Is this the solution to the European Schools overcrowding problem?
The Secretary General of the European Schools has recently started a discussion on the future of the European schools. To kick off the debate, a first draft of a paper on “Reflections on the future structure of the Brussels European Schools” (Ref.: 2022-05-D-en_1)” was presented and discussed at the meeting of the Enlarged group of the Steering Committee Brussels on 31 May 2022. Continue reading Is this the solution to the European Schools overcrowding problem?
European Schools’ locally hired teachers: true tightrope walkers
One may rightfully assume that employees in the EU are protected by laws and instruments to limit precariousness. And while we know that in the European Commission we can find countless perverse counter examples, what you probably don’t know is that the European Schools (EURSC) take this to the next level. EURSC locally recruited teachers (LRT) find themselves in a legal void that makes their jobs and lives a constant walk on a net free tightrope… Continue reading European Schools’ locally hired teachers: true tightrope walkers
Contract Agents are frustrated! Here is why!
EPSO CAST vs. CAST PERMANENT
One of the reasons for frustration of Contract Agents (CA) happens even before they are hired (i.e., during the recruitment phase).
The CAST PERMANENT is a selection tool that was introduced in 2017. Permanent means that there is no deadline, so candidates can submit applications at any time. Continue reading Contract Agents are frustrated! Here is why!
IT security in the Commission
Recently, DIGIT assigned a cyber-security
training to all Commission staff – as this includes your friendly Generation 2004 team, we take the liberty to give a bit of feedback on this training. This seems necessary because the training contains some outright contradictory advice, forcing colleagues to choose either one or the other. The training is marked as confidential, so we cannot give you quotes here – which is a pity, because the advice is rather general in nature and applies in every company in one way or another. Continue reading IT security in the Commission
