Formalities Officers at the EPO Face Uncertain Future, Administration Gets Asked About That
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The EPO's Formalities Officers were recently discussed with the henchmen of António Campinos. Asked some tough questions, the Office is made to probably admit that it is gutting a service, partially or (eventually) fully. As the Staff Committee The Hague put it, answers are needed regarding "the major changes that our Formalities Officer (FO) colleagues have been facing recently".
From the message to staff:
Dear colleagues,On 3 November 2025, the Local Staff Committee The Hague met with the Site Manager VP1, as previously reported.
The agenda included a point dedicated to the major changes that our Formalities Officer (FO) colleagues have been facing recently.
Given the many questions raised during our exchanges with FO colleagues and the limited time available at the meeting, we followed up in writing and are pleased to share the administration’s replies.
The accompanying publication:
Staff Committee The Hague
Comité du personnel de La Haye
Personalausschuss Den HaagRijswijk, 14 November 2025
sc25018hpLSCTH meets Site Manager VP1 —
Follow-up on outstanding issues concerning
Formalities OfficersDear colleagues,
On 3 November 2025, the Local Staff Committee The Hague met with the Site Manager VP1, as previously reported. The agenda included a point dedicated to the major changes that our Formalities Officer (FO) colleagues have been facing recently.
Given the many questions raised during our exchanges with FO colleagues and the limited time available at the meeting, we followed up in writing and are pleased to share below the administration’s replies.
You will find our questions together with the corresponding answers from the administration (quoted as “Social dialogue”).
1. Status of the job openings – Have all new positions been filled?
Social dialogue: The recruitment procedure for the new positions is still ongoing, with interview results expected to be consolidated by the end of November and appointment decisions anticipated at the end of November or early December. At that point, we will have a clearer overview of the situation. In total, 24 profiles were published, attracting 44 applicants and resulting in 62 applications, as some candidates applied for more than one role.
2. Work distribution – Some colleagues expressed the wish to retain part of their previous FO duties, could the role be proposed as 50% in the new position and 50% FO work?
Social dialogue: Regarding work distribution, as discussed during the COO’s meeting with the FO community, full mobility is not the only option; partial mobility remains supported as it enriches both releasing and receiving departments, fosters collaboration, and supports professional development. Its benefits are maximised when combined with a rotation principle, ensuring opportunities are regularly available to different colleagues.
3. Team balance – Given the number of upcoming departures due to both retirements and transfers to new roles, could you please share how potential imbalances within teams will be managed?
Social dialogue: We are also mindful of maintaining team balance and continuity in light of upcoming retirements and transfers, and operational needs remain a priority. Team capacity will be monitored closely to avoid disruption, and resources will be rebalanced where and when appropriate.
4. Mobility between Job Groups – The current role displacement presents an opportunity for management to demonstrate its support for upward mobility among experienced staff. Would you consider allowing JG6 colleagues to step up to JG5 career?
Social dialogue: Concerning mobility between job groups, as you know this type of procedure was targeted only to FOs and does not allow for promotion, this can only occur through office-wide TAI processes which remain open to all staff.
5. Career progression – There is a risk of career stagnation when transitioning to a new role and team. Could you clarify how career progression will be maintained?
Social dialogue: On career progression, transitioning to a new role or team is not unusual; reasonable objectives will be set to support development, and while rewards cannot be guaranteed, professional mobility will not prevent consideration for them.
6. Probation period – In the event that a probation period is not successfully completed, it is unclear if colleagues will have to return to their previous teams. Could you please clarify?
Social dialogue: Finally, a six-month probationary period will apply, during which colleagues may request to return to their previous post if necessary.
Please feel free to share your feedback on this exchange, whether your questions have been answered, remain open, or if these replies have raised new ones.
The future of the Formalities Officers is important to us, your Local Staff Committee The Hague is here to represent you!
Kind regards,
Your Local Staff Committee The Hague
They're being too polite (perhaps) to people whose agenda is detrimental not just to the EPO but also the EPC. █