Applications are officially open for the prestigious Council of the European Union Traineeships in Brussels, Belgium! Managed by the General Secretariat of the Council (Consilium), this 5-month professional program offers university graduates and young professionals an unprecedented look into the inner workings of EU decision-making, policy development, and international governance.
If you are eager to launch an international career at the heart of European diplomacy, this paid opportunity provides both financial support and direct high-level work experience.
Traineeship Summary
- Host Institution: General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (Consilium)
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Program Duration: 5 Months (February 1 – June 30, 2027 Term)
- Funding Status: Fully Paid Internship
- Positions Offered: Approximately 110 traineeships per year across two official intake periods.
Key Benefits & Financial Package
Selected candidates receive a comprehensive financial grant and benefit structure designed to cover living expenses in Brussels:
- Monthly Living Grant: A competitive stipend of €1,538.16 (net) per month.
- Restaurant Allowance: A monthly meal stipend (approx. €70/month) for use in official Council dining facilities.
- Travel Mobility Allowance: Financial contribution toward international travel expenses between your place of origin and Brussels.
- Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive accident insurance and partial health insurance reimbursements.
- Paid Leave & Amenities: 2 days of paid annual leave per month worked, full access to Council library databases, and subsidized gym access.
Available Departments & Focus Areas
Trainees are integrated directly into operational departments within the General Secretariat, including:
- EU Policy & Foreign Affairs: Researching, drafting briefing papers, and supporting summits or committee meetings.
- Legal Service (JUR): Analyzing institutional law, trade legislation, and human rights policies.
- Strategic Communications & Media: Managing digital campaigns, press relations, and official outreach.
- Translation & Multilingualism: Translating legal and administrative texts across official languages.
- HR, Finance & Digital Administration: Managing internal operations, IT infrastructure, and organizational workflows.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the regular traineeship program, candidates must fulfill the following basic conditions:
- Academic Qualification: Hold a recognized 3-year university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) before the application deadline.
- Citizenship: Primarily open to EU citizens. (A select number of places may be granted to international applicants depending on department allocations).
- Language Competency: Thorough command (C1/C2 level) of English or French, alongside sound working knowledge of a second official language.
- Prior EU Institutional Experience Rule: Applicants must not have previously undertaken more than 6 weeks of paid or unpaid employment or traineeship within any EU institution, agency, or body.
Key Session Timeline (February–June 2027 Intake)
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026 (at 12:00 PM Brussels / CEST Time)
- Selection & Evaluation Phase: October – December 2026
- Offer Confirmation: December 2026
- Traineeship Term: February 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027
Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Access the Consilium Portal: Visit the official careers section on
consilium.europa.eu. - Select Preferred Domains: Choose up to two operational departments or domain preferences on your application.
- Submit Profile Details: Enter your educational background, language competencies, and relevant extracurricular experience.
- Submit Before Deadline: Verify all information and finalize your online submission prior to September 15, 2026.
📌 Important Disclaimer: Always submit applications directly through the official Consilium traineeship portal (consilium.europa.eu). The Council of the European Union never charges application fees or delegates candidate selection to third-party paid agents.
