Surrender your mobile phone, it’s an order!

Cyber-security, Data Protection, Newsletter-2026-02-26, well-being, Working conditions, workplace bullying and harassment Print This Post

As explained in our previous article, the Commission is drafting a Decision that requires all staff to provide their private mobile to be contacted during their rest time. 

Our article, published in September 2025 triggered comments from the administration, claiming that they would prove us wrong by providing updated information. No information was provided, but we still acknowledged what could seem like an intention to correct course by the administration, by informing you in October 2025 of a possible update on the situation.  Continue reading Surrender your mobile phone, it’s an order! →

Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave

Health, Leave, Newsletter-2026-02-26, Social Dialogue, well-being, Working conditions Print This Post

Have you ever been on sick leave?
Most of you probably have at some point been ill during your time in the Commission. For some of you, the unpleasant experience of being ill, has been made worse by the related administrative process.
Everything relating to sick leave stems from art. 59 of the Staff Regulations, and its interpretation or creative development in the form of GIPs (General implementing provisions) by the administration.

The current version of the GIPs dates from 2004 and after over 20 years the time has come to update this document. For this reason, DG HR, Generation 2004 representatives and other trade unions have been meeting since last November to discuss the proposed changes.  

Continue reading Commission is reviewing its decision on sick-leave →

Freedom of speech!?!

New HR strategy, Newsletter-2026-02-26 Print This Post

Good things come to those who wait – but not from DG HR. While the Central Staff Committee (CSC) could finally welcome colleagues from DG HR during its pre-Christmas-meeting to gift it with the long-sought-after clarification on freedom of speech for EU staff, the CSC didn’t learn anything that had not been known before. And what had raised doubts and questions before, continues to do so. 

Continue reading Freedom of speech!?! →

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.

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

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. 

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

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 →