About the opportunity
The Consilium traineeship programme provides young professionals with the opportunity to gain insights into the work of the European Union, participate in the Council’s daily activities, learn from colleagues and advisors, and contribute to shaping important decisions. Traineeships are offered twice a year, with 110 positions available annually. The programme covers various fields including policy, law, administration, communications, translation, and IT. In addition to the general programme, there is a positive action programme for EU nationals with a recognised disability, which provides special workplace arrangements, and a separate stream for students from national administration schools.
Funding and benefits
- Paid traineeship with monthly grants and allowances
- First-hand experience in EU policy-making
- Special workplace arrangements for trainees with a disability
- Professional development through involvement in daily Council activities
Who can apply?
- EU citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Very good knowledge of English or French and at least one other EU language
- No previous work experience at another EU institution
Required documents
- Documents as specified in the online application portal
When to apply
- Current application cycle: Open until 15 September 2026, at 12:00 (Brussels time)
- General cycle 1 (February–June): Applications open mid-July to mid-September
- General cycle 2 (September–January): Applications open February to March
How to apply
- Submit an application through the official online portal before the deadline
- Candidates are selected between October and December for the first period, and April to June for the second period
Additional information
- General traineeships last 5 months
- Traineeships for students from national administration schools last between 2 and 5 months
- The current traineeship period runs from 1 February to 30 June 2027
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Young professionals and graduates holding a Bachelor's degree or higher who want to gain first-hand experience in EU policy-making.
- Candidates with very good knowledge of English or French and at least one other EU language.
- Applicants seeking a paid, structured 5-month international traineeship in Brussels.
- EU nationals with a recognised disability who can benefit from the positive action programme's special workplace arrangements.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Brussels, Belgium, is required for the on-site duration of 5 months.
- Applicants must not have any previous work experience at another EU institution.
- Air tickets and other potential incidental expenses are not explicitly detailed as fully covered beyond the monthly grants and allowances.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This traineeship is ideal for recent graduates and early-career professionals aiming to build a specialized portfolio in European affairs, law, communications, administration, or IT. Participating in the Council's daily activities offers valuable institutional exposure that can significantly accelerate a public policy or international administration career path.
Our take
Eligible EU citizens seeking direct insight into EU governance should seriously consider applying before the September 2026 deadline. Those unable to relocate to Brussels on-site will find it unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
