Staff Association Cocktail: a success thanks to all those who took part. Thank you.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Staff Association had the pleasure of hosting its traditional Ambassadors’ Cocktail.
Held twice a year, in March and September, following the Finance Committee, this event provides a privileged setting for informal exchanges between delegates of the Member States, Associated Member States, and colleagues appointed by the Staff Association to represent it, the “Staff Association Ambassadors.”
Much more than a simple social gathering, this cocktail serves as a true platform for dialogue. It offers an opportunity to address key topics for the Association, to open broader discussions on the future of CERN and its staff, and above all to listen carefully to the perspectives and concerns of the various delegations.
This edition was marked by rich discussions around four main themes: the report of the TREF working group on the representativeness of Member States in terms of resources, the five-yearly review, the different funding and limits of employed staff members notably graduates, and support for family-related benefits, particularly maternity leave.
The Association sincerely thanks all participants, delegates from Member States and Associated Member States, --representing a total of 25 delegations and 146 attendees—as well as our ambassador colleagues, whose commitment is key to the success of these meetings.
It also extends its thanks to the logistics and catering teams, the Association’s secretariat for organizing the event, and the Council secretariat for distributing the invitations.
The Association looks forward to welcoming delegations and ambassadors again next September for another cocktail!
