EU Council Traineeship: 100 opportunities available, 5-month stay in Belgium required

Financial Benefits

• Monthly allowance of €1,476

• €70 meal allowance

• Travel allowance provided

Other Benefits

• Accident insurance

• Partial reimbursement of health insurance

• Access to the Council’s gym for only €30

• Full access to all resources and services of the Council’s library

• Two days of leave per month
  
   

  Work Areas and Responsibilities
  Selected candidates will work in the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union within different teams. The work is divided into two main categories:

• Policy or Legal Service Teams

  • Economy and economic policy

  • Environment and climate

  • Foreign affairs

  • Justice and home affairs

• Support Teams

  • Communication and media relations

  • Human resources

  • Information technology (IT)

  • Translation
    
    
     

    Application Process and Responsibilities
    Applicants can choose two preferred work areas on the application form. During the traineeship, responsibilities include preparing meetings, translating documents, collecting, organizing, and analyzing information, and actively participating in the Council’s daily work.

    Eligibility Criteria
    Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a citizen of an EU member country.

  • Candidates from any academic or professional background are eligible.

  • For the main programme, a university degree is required.

  • For the Positive Action Programme (for candidates with disabilities), applicants must be at least third-year university or college students.

  • Must have C1 level proficiency in English or French.

  • Excellent knowledge of at least two other official EU languages.

  • Opportunities and Benefits

  • Gain hands-on experience working with the European Council.

  • Work in a multicultural environment with opportunities for exchanging ideas.

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of the European policymaking process.

  • Work opportunities in policy, law, administration, communication, IT, and other areas.

  • Acquire internationally recognized professional experience.

  • Application Procedure

  • Applications must be submitted online.

  • The form requires contact details, address, educational background, and professional experience (if any).

  • Applicants must select two preferred work areas.

  • Shortlisted candidates will participate in an online or phone interview.

  • All information should be verified before submission.

  • Applications are currently open for the February 2026 session.

  • Deadline: 24 September 2025

  • Must not have had any paid or unpaid traineeship or employment in an EU institution, agency, or office for more than six weeks.

  • No age limit.