Union for Unity
U4U – European and civic trade union for all staff of the Institutions
• Hot topics •
Europe and its institutions facing challenges
13 proposals for debate
The budget debate and discussions on the modernisation of the European civil service, led by Catherine Day, are taking place against a backdrop of increasing global tensions, heightened economic competition between major geopolitical blocs, and the rise of conservative, far-right, anti-European.
“The middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada, Davos Jan 2026
U4U’s five demands
Staff unity is our strength. U4U’s unity is the key to our prosperity
| Contract Workers’ Collective: Improving the Quality of Life and Work for AC and AT Staff The petition to improve the living and working conditions of contract and temporary workers has gathered over 4000 signatures and continues to gain momentum. This is a good start, and now is the time to build on this success. We must highlight our collective strength to demand social dialogue and seek support from other unions. If you haven’t already, please sign the petition and share the invitation with those around you. Our numbers will be key to achieving our goals. Find out more | U4U supports the demands of language teachers. They have the right to fair pay and decent working conditions, too! Language teachers play an essential role in the careers of civil servants and other European public service staff. In a multicultural and multilingual environment, their training directly drives professional effectiveness. It enables staff to perform their duties with competence, flexibility and openness. Let’s stand up for our language teachers! Find out more | U4U is closely monitoring the modernisation of the EU delegation network and its impact on staff The various Commission and External Service unions have filed a strike notice as a united front to defend staff interests. Staff are extremely concerned about the implementation of the announced ‘modernisation’ of the EU delegation network. Following this concerted action, the Directorate-General for Human Resources (DG HR) organised a conciliation meeting between representatives of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the unions. This meeting resulted in several commitments from management. Find out more | U4U supports the petition launched by UEF Groupe Europe and Graspe, which calls for an end to the voluntary dependence of the European institutions on U.S. technology Digital tools of American origin account for 80% of products, services, infrastructure, and intellectual property in both the professional world and on our smartphones. There is a strong temptation for Europeans to turn a blind eye to this monopoly, which is very costly in terms of licences. However, this overlooks the fact that the threatening geopolitical context for Europe completely changes the game, and that consumer interest cannot be the sole justification for our voluntary dependence. Find out more | What is the solution to the energy crisis and rising energy prices? U4U calls for open and constructive dialogue with the administration. Following the joint appeal launched by U4U and Génération 2004 and supported by other unions, including USF and the Alliance, the administration invited us to a social dialogue meeting. At this meeting, they presented their response to rising prices, particularly fuel prices, in light of ongoing military operations in the Persian Gulf region. During the meeting, the administration confirmed that it is closely monitoring price trends and the measures implemented in other countries. They also affirmed their readiness to act should the situation worsen. Find out more |
The Link N°118 , May 2026
GRASPE n°52
Basing U4U’s actions on principles and values
The 2026 appraisal / promotion exercise is ongoing
Here are:
Salaries: German public sector unions are demanding further pay rises
EASA Regulatory agency: dialogue continues and deepens
Regulatory agencies: U4U campaigns for a trade union presence within them
What kind of modernisation is being implemented for the delegations?
Executive agencies: the fight for constructive and renewed social dialogue continues
• Agenda •
The consequences for the EU of the war in Iran
With Guillaume Duval
14 October, 12.45 pm
Online conference in French
Link to the conference: https://u4unity.webex.com/meet/jps
The conference will not be recorded; a verbatim transcript will be published in the journal GRASPE.
More than seven months after the start of the war launched by Donald Trump against Iran, the consequences for Europe and Europeans have been massive and extremely negative. What, specifically, are these consequences? What is the EU doing, and what could it do, in such circumstances?
What it takes to be yourself
With Mrs. Pinuccia Contino
Thursday 15 Oct – 12.30–2.00
Online conference in English
Link to the conference: https://u4unity.webex.com/meet/jps
Pinuccia Contino is Deputy Director at the European Commission, where she heads the unit responsible for gender equality. Previously, she was responsible for consumer protection and product safety. Driven by a deep exploration of life’s purpose and personal fulfilment, Pinuccia studied compassion at Stanford University and trained in compassionate leadership.
In her book, *What It Takes to Be Yourself*, she shares the journey that led her to challenge traditional models of success. Through her own experiences and tools for self-reflection, she invites everyone to build a more authentic, mindful and meaningful life, both at work and in their private lives.