European Commission Blue Book Traineeships

Twice a year, the Commission offers 5-month paid traineeships in its Directorate-Generals, agencies and bodies. The traineeships at the European Commission (Blue Book Traineeships) are a great opportunity to gain experience in a field of choice, while working in an international workplace in contact with policy makers.

The European Commission traineeships take place mostly in Brussels, but you can find a few offers in Luxembourg too, as in other places around Europe, depending on the site of the DG/agency/body of assignment.

European Commission Traineeships

The nature of your work will depend on the service you are assigned to. You may, for example, work in the field of competition law, human resources, environmental policy, etc.

A trainee’s daily work consists of:

• Attending and organising meetings, working groups, and public hearings;
• Researching, drafting end editing documentation – including reports and consultations;
• Answering citizens’ inquiries;
• Supporting the management of projects.

Who Can Apply

Subject to eligibility criteria, the traineeships are open to all EU citizens, regardless of age. A limited number of places are also for non EU nationals. More specifically, the European Commission traineeships are open to new graduates that:

• have completed at least the first cycle of university studies (3 years, 180 credits, Bachelor degree);
• have no prior work experience of any kind, in excess of 6 weeks in any EU institution, body or agency;
• can prove a very good knowledge of languages (English, French or German at C1 or C2 level).

The recognition of additional points can happen for:

• international profile demonstrated through education, work or volunteering experience abroad, and aptitude to work in an international environment;
• motivation for the application and quality of reasoning;
• rare fields of study;
• papers and publications.

More doubts about the eligibility criteria? Find out the FAQs that the European Commission displayed at your disposal.

How To Apply

The application procedure consists of three steps:

• register on EU Login;
• complete the application form, and
• submit.

You can also assess how likely will be for you to pass the pre-selection and enter the Blue Book list of potential candidates.

The ongoing selection refers to the European Commission traineeships starting in March 2022. You can apply from 2 August 2021 at 12:00 midday Central European Summer Time (CEST) until 31 August 2021 at 12:00 midday. 

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