Applications for the September Traineeships at the European Union Council are now open! (Monthly grant of €1 376.88 net + 60€ monthly allowance + Travel Allowance + Accident + Health Insurance
Applications for the September Traineeships at the European Union Council are now open! (Monthly grant of €1 376.88 net + 60€ monthly allowance + Travel Allowance + Accident + Health Insurance
About the Traineeships at the Council
EU traineeship programme offers first-hand experience of how the Council and the EU work. Around 100 paid traineeship positions are available each year
Traineeship programmes
Twice a year, the Council offers 5-month paid traineeships in Brussels:
- 16 February to 15 July (first period)
- 1 September to 31 January (second period)
What trainees do
The Council offers traineeship opportunities in many areas to suit candidates with diverse profiles. You will have to select two areas in your application.
- List of traineeship areas for the main programme (updated July 2023)
- List of areas for positive action programme (updated August 2023)
As a trainee, you will be working in one of the teams of the General Secretariat of the Council. Overall, there are two main types of jobs available:
1. If you are working in a policy team, you will be involved in activities related to the legislative work of the Council and the preparation of meetings. The Council’s policy work includes areas such as:
- economy and finance
- environment and climate
- foreign affairs
- justice and home affairs
- Careers in the policy and legal support services
2. If you are working in a support team, you will be involved in activities that support the cross-sectoral work of the Council in areas such as:
- Communication and media relations
- Human resources
- Information technology (IT)
- Translation
Duties and Responsibilities
Trainees’ tasks vary from team to team, depending on their needs. Below are some examples of tasks carried out by trainees:
- preparing meetings and drafting minutes
- attending meetings of Council preparatory bodies (policy department)
- carrying out research for a particular project
- collecting, organising, and analysing data
- helping with the production of documents, notes, and publications
- contributing to the organisation of events and communication activities
- translating documents
Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Who can apply
| Nationality | EU citizens |
| Education | Main programme: already have a university degree.Positive action programme: at least a third year student of a university/college |
| Profile | We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds as we offer traineeships in different areas (policy, administration, communication, IT, etc.) |
| Languages | A good knowledge of English or French is required (at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)Very good knowledge of at least two EU official languages |
| Experience | No previous training (paid or unpaid) or employment for more than six weeks at an EU institution, body, agency or office |
| Age | There is no age limit |
Candidates for the positive action programme will need to provide a certificate confirming their disability.
How to apply
Applications are open twice a year:
- in February for traineeships starting in September
- in September for traineeships starting in February of the following year
Traineeship calendar
| February | September |
| Application periodAugust – September | Application periodFebruary – March |
| Selection and interviewsOctober – December | Selection and interviewsApril – June |
| Traineeship periodFebruary – July | Traineeship periodSeptember – January |
Find out more about how to apply for a Council traineeship:
Benefits : What’s in it for you
- Monthly grant of €1 376.88 net
- 2 days of leave per month worked
- 60€ monthly allowance to be used in the Council’s restaurants
- Travel allowance
- Accident insurance
- Access to health insurance (partial reimbursement)
- Option to join the Council gym for 30€
- Access to all Council library resources and services (eBooks, newspapers, etc.)
A traineeship in the Council offers you:
- first-hand experience of the work of the Council
- insight into the processes and policies of the EU institutions
- an opportunity to contribute to the Council’s day-to-day business
- the chance to work in a diverse environment
- an opportunity to share your fresh point of view and the knowledge you have acquired during your studies
- As a trainee, you will also get the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, such as:
- helping out during EU and international summits
- visits to and conferences at other EU institutions in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg
- Council and Parliament simulation games
- volunteering for projects in other units
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