The European Ombudsman offers traineeships to university or higher education graduates with a keen interest in European Union public administration and, in particular, in how the EU administration relates to citizens.

The traineeships are intended to provide recent graduates with practical experience of the work of the European Ombudsman and to enable them to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. The tasks of trainees, depending on the stream of the particular traineeship will include assisting in the investigation of complaints, assisting in the area of media and communications, work on IT projects or on research relevant to the work of the Ombudsman. Trainees work under the direct supervision of an official or agent of the European Ombudsman, normally a Head of Unit or equivalent.

Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU, or of a candidate country for accession to the EU, with a degree or diploma of at least 3 years in one of the disciplines foreseen in the traineeship notice.

Duration: 1 year maximum (depending on performance).

Paid: Yes. Around 1.300€ per month in Brussels and around 1.600€ per month in Strasbourg.

Starting Dates: 1 January and 1 September.

The EU Agency for Railways is mandated to issue single safety certificates and vehicle (type) authorisations valid in multiple European countries and to ensure an interoperable European Rail Traffic Management System, in the development and implementation of the Single European Railway Area.

Who can apply: University graduates (minimum 3 years of study), who have a very good knowledge of English and of a second language (for EU nationals, this must be an EU official language)

Duration: 10 months

Paid: Yes. Around 1,500€ per month

Starting Dates: 1 September

The European Commission traineeship programme is open to university graduates, from all over the world. The locations for traineeships are Brussels (Belgium), Grange (Ireland), Luxembourg (Luxembourg), and agencies and services in the EU Member States.

Traineeships are available in a wide range of fields and offer a great insight into the work of the EU. The content of the job largely depends on the service in which each trainee carries out his/her traineeship. Services may operate for instance in the fields of competition law, human resources, environmental policy, communication and many more.

Trainees are given the same sort of tasks as newly-recruited graduates. In practice, that can include for instance organising working groups and meetings, compiling information and documentation, preparing reports and answering queries, as well as participating in unit meetings and other events.

Who can apply: Graduates of any discipline can apply as long as their degree has already been awarded (a transcript can normally be provided if the certificate has not yet been awarded). EU citizenship is not obligatory (a small number of places are reserved for non-EU citizens), but knowledge of two EU languages is required. Work experience and postgraduate education is a plus, but not an eligibility criterion.

Are you a person with a disability who wants to gain valuable professional experience in the EU institutions? Blue Book Internships at the European Commission are just for you!

The European Commission’s Traineeships Office has a number of measures in place supporting and helping trainees with a disability. The Traineeships Office is committed to closely accompany these trainees, in full confidentiality.

Why is it worth applying?

• Financial support: An increase in monthly grant is provided (up to 50%), based on the assessment of the documentation you provide to the Traineeships Office (official reference document).
• Adapting the workplace: Candidates who need special adjustments for reasonable accommodation (due to a disability) can benefit from dedicated measures. If you have a disability that may require reasonable accommodations during your traineeship, please inform the Traineeships Office.
• Support and networks: the Traineeships Office works together with Commission staff networks active in diversity and inclusion matters to bring about positive change by advancing diversity and inclusion in the EU institutions. These networks warmly welcome trainees to join them during their internship. They act as a contact point for candidates that would like to discuss confidential personal issues linked to diversity and inclusion that would impede them from applying to the traineeships scheme. ASDEC: Association of Staff with a Disability in the European Commission: EC-STAFF-DISABILITY-ASDEC@ec.europa.eu

The European Commission is convinced that diversity enriches its work and therefore strives to make people with disabilities feel welcome and supported during their internship. Join as a Blue Book intern and become part of an inclusive team that appreciates the diversity of talent!

Duration: 5 months

Paid: Yes. €1.376,89 per month (adjusted per session).

Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October.

Learn also about the Junior Professionals Programme (JPP): Junior Professionals Programme (JPP) - European Commission (europa.eu)

This scheme gives young university graduates a unique first-hand experience of the European Union in general and the Office in particular. It is also an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies, in particular in their specific areas of competence. In addition, it helps them understand the objectives and procedures relating to the European Union trade mark and Community design system, as well as to IP infringement and enforcement matters.

Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).

Duration: 12 months

Paid: Yes.

Starting Dates: Ongoing

Through its traineeship scheme, ENISA benefits from the input of university graduates without excluding those who – in the framework of lifelong learning – have recently obtained a university diploma or are at the beginning of a new professional career.

Who can apply: Nationals of the Member States of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), unless an exception is authorized by the appointing authority, who have completed a university-level education of at least 3 years and obtained a full bachelor’s degree or its equivalent by the closing date for applications and enjoy their full rights as citizens.

Duration: 6-12 months

Paid: Yes. Around 1,500€ per month

Starting Dates: Ongoing

ENISA’s career portal: Careers | ENISA

The EDPS offers recent university graduates the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies, particularly in their specific areas of competence. Traineeships allow trainees to acquire practical experience of the EDPS’ day-to-day activities as well as in data protection.

Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU who have completed the first cycle of the higher education course (three years of university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent

Duration: 5 months

Paid: Yes. Around 950€ per month

Starting Dates: 1 March and 1 October

The EUDA traineeship programmes aims to:

• give young university graduates the opportunity of experiencing the general objectives and process of European integration;
• provide trainees with practical knowledge of the workings of a European agency;
• enable trainees to acquire practical experience and knowledge of the day-to-day work of the EUDA and its units;
• provide trainees with the opportunity to work in a diverse and multilingual environment, contributing to the development of mutual understanding, trust and tolerance;
• enable trainees to put into practice the knowledge they have acquired during their studies or professional careers.

Who can apply: University graduates who are citizens of EU Member States, Norway and Turkey

Duration: 3-8 months

Paid: Depending on budget

Starting Dates: Ongoing

Read more details on the Traineeship policy.

This traineeship programme is intended to provide young professionals with practical experience of the European Union in general and the EUIPO in particular as well as to enable them to put into practice knowledge acquired during their studies and first professional experiences, and in particular in their specific areas of competence.

Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).

Duration: 12 months and 2 weeks.

Paid: Yes.

Starting Dates: Between 1 September and 15 October.

The Agency offers opportunities in all areas of the organisation both for recent graduates and university students. These opportunities aim to give an understanding of the Agency and its role within the activities of the European Union.

Who can apply: Nationals of one of the EASA Member States or of a country with observer status in the EASA Management Board whose background is relevant to the activities of the Agency

Duration: 12 months

Paid: Yes.

Starting Dates: Ongoing

The EUIPO offers grant-assisted traineeships to junior staff from national and international industrial property offices. These placements offer technical training in specific areas of IP administration, with particular regard to trade marks and designs. They offer the opportunity to learn about the EUIPO's e-registration services, observe management techniques and strategies and understand EUIPO's databases and technical knowledge. Trainees also work in other specific areas of expertise such as human resources, communications or information technology.

Who can apply: Nationals of EU Member States and from non EU countries, who have completed at least the first cycle of a higher education course certified by an official document from the University and have a working knowledge of one of Office's five working languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).

Duration: 5 months

Paid: Yes.

Starting Dates: Ongoing