Over 100 PAID Traineeship Opportunities at the Council of the European Union

Are you eager to gain first-hand insight into the workings of the Council and the EU? Look no further than our enriching traineeship programme. Every year, we offer approximately 100 paid traineeship positions, providing invaluable experiences and opportunities for growth.

Traineeship Programmes

We offer two main traineeship programmes:

1. Regular Traineeships: These are five-month paid traineeships in Brussels, offered twice a year:
   • First Period: 16 February to 15 July
   • Second Period: 1 September to 31 January
2. Traineeships for Students of National Administration Schools: Specifically designed for students of national administration schools.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from:

• EU citizens
• Education: Main programme applicants should possess a university degree, while positive action programme candidates should be at least third-year university/college students.
• Profile: We value diversity and welcome candidates from various backgrounds, as we offer traineeships in different areas such as policy, administration, communication, and IT.
• Languages: Proficiency in English or French (at least level C1) is required, along with very good knowledge of at least two EU official languages.
• Experience: No previous training 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.

What We Offer

Our trainees enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Monthly grant of €1,376.88 net
• 2 days of leave per month worked
• €60 monthly allowance for use in the Council’s restaurants
• Travel allowance
• Additional benefits such as accident insurance, partial reimbursement for health insurance, access to the Council gym, and more.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted twice a year, in February for traineeships starting in September and in September for traineeships starting in February of the following year.

Send your application

The application period for the February 2026 traineeship is open until 24 September 2025, noon (Brussels time).

• Apply now

What’s in it for You?

A traineeship at the Council offers:

• First-hand experience of the Council’s work
• Insight into EU institutions’ processes and policies
• Contribution to the Council’s day-to-day operations
• Exposure to a diverse work environment
• Opportunity to share your fresh perspective and academic knowledge.

Testimonials from Former Trainees

Here’s what some of our former trainees have to say about their experiences:

• Filippo, Agriculture, Fisheries, Social Affairs, and Health (LIFE): “The traineeship has allowed me to get first-hand experience of the European policy-making process. Colleagues were fantastic in helping me get the most out of it!”
• Lucia, Translation Service (LING), Romanian language unit: “I contributed first-hand to the process of making important information and news from the heart of the European Union accessible to all Romanian-speaking people.”

What Trainees Do

Trainees at the Council work in various areas, including policy, administration, communication, IT, and more. They engage in activities such as:

• Preparing meetings and drafting minutes
• Attending Council preparatory body meetings
• Conducting research
• Organizing events and communication activities
• Translating documents, among others.

 

➡️ More info: https://consilium.gestmax.eu/search