Fully funded five-month internship for graduates in EU institutions starting March 2026

Overview

Blue Book Traineeship started 1960 selects approximately 1000 trainees biannually

Provides hands-on experience in EU policymaking and administration

Goals

• Gain practical experience with EU institutions
• Foster professional growth in global environment
• Understand EU policy development and implementation
• Connect with future European professionals
• Promote European values and integration

Benefits

Accommodation not provided trainees must arrange independently

Eligibility Requirements

Educational qualifications

• Completed 3-year higher education degree (minimum EQF 6 level)
• Provide certificate or official university letter
• All academic fields eligible

Experience limitations

• No prior work in EU institutions exceeding 6 weeks

Language requirements

• Administrative Traineeship
  • Proficiency in two EU languages
  • One must be English French or German (C1/C2 level)
  • Second language at least B2 level
  • Non-EU nationals require one procedural language at C1/C2
• Translation Traineeship
  • Translate into main language (typically mother tongue)
  • First source language English French or German (C level or mother tongue)
  • Second source language any EU language at B2 level

Additional requirements

• No age limit
• Open to EU citizens limited spots for non-EU
• Interest in EU affairs commitment to European values

Traineeship Timeline

Traineeship Types and Duties

Administrative Traineeship

• Available in most Commission departments
• Duties
  • Attend and organize meetings working groups public hearings
  • Research write edit reports consultations
  • Answer public inquiries
  • Support project management
  • Participate in policymaking

Translation Traineeship

• Directorate-General for Translation (DGT)
• Duties
  • Translate documents across EU languages
  • Check translations for accuracy
  • Research terminology
  • Support multilingual communication

Scientific Traineeship

• Joint Research Centre
• Focus on scientific research technical tasks
• Suitable for STEM graduates

Duty Stations

• Brussels Belgium (main hub)
• Luxembourg
• National offices in 27 EU Member States
• Various EU agencies

Required Documents

• Application form via EU Login system
• Valid ID card or passport copy
• University qualifications
  • Diplomas or certificates with final grades
  • Proof of EQF 6 level
  • University transcripts
  • Europass Diploma Supplement (if available)
• Proof of language skills (excluding native language)
• Optional supporting documents
  • University exchange programs
  • EU or international program participation
  • Work or volunteer experience abroad
  • Rare fields of study documentation

Documents in English French German or with certified translations

Application Process

• Create EU Login account or use existing
• Complete application form accurately
• Upload supporting documents in correct formats
• Review application before submission
• Monitor VBB portal for openings if shortlisted
• Apply for specific traineeship positions
• Final selection by departments

Submit via official portal by August 29 2025 10:00 AM Brussels time

Tips for Application Success

• Prepare documents early
• Highlight international experience language skills EU-related activities
• Align skills with EU objectives
• Proofread for professionalism
• Follow instructions precisely
• Prepare for interviews discussing EU knowledge and motivation

Trainee Experience

• Network with EU officials diverse trainees
• Participate in trainee-organized sports cultural activities
• Engage in workshops seminars informal learning
• Experience cultural exchange in Brussels or Luxembourg
• Gain career-enhancing experience

Key Considerations

• Trainees arrange own accommodation
• Maintain active health insurance
• Stipend may have tax implications
• No job guarantee post-traineeship
• Full-time 40-hour workweek with 2 paid leave days monthly

Next Steps

Prepare documents early ensure compliance with requirements

Monitor European Commission Traineeships for updates

Submit application by August 29 2025