Committee of the Regions of Europe - Traineeships of the Committee of the Regions of Europe

Cicero Traineeship at the European Committee of the Regions

You will be offered a paid full-time placement in Brussels worth about 1,538 EUR per month for 5 months (40 hours per week). In addition to your remuneration, you will receive a flat-rate travel allowance if you move to Brussels, a contribution towards the cost of public transport, accident insurance and optional health insurance, with the committee covering two-thirds of the costs. You will work in a small group of interns on EU policy issues. As part of the YFactor programme, this group will develop a joint project on topics affecting Europe’s regions and cities, such as a podcast, a conference or an e-book. The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the EU body that gives cities and regions a voice in EU decision-making.

Who can apply

• Degree: You must hold a full bachelor’s degree or, by the application deadline, have completed at least your third year of study.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Nationality: EU citizens are the main target group. Non-EU citizens, including those from the United Kingdom, may apply, but are selected only in rare cases and must hold a valid residence and work permit in Belgium.
• Languages: You are fluent in one of the EU languages and have a good command of English or French.
• Age: No age limit.
• No prior EU placement: To date, you have not completed a paid or unpaid work placement, or held a post at an EU institution or body, for a period exceeding 8 weeks.

How to apply

You apply via the CoR’s online form and indicate up to three preferred subject areas. There are two intake periods per year. For the spring intake, the application deadline is 1 October. For the autumn intake, the application deadline is 31 March. Both deadlines close at 12:00 noon Brussels time. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview before a final decision is made.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known EU internship open to graduates from all disciplines; as such, it attracts many applicants and competition is fierce. A completed degree (or third year of study) and fluency in English or French are the essential selection criteria. Applicants from non-EU countries face particular challenges. Make sure you apply well in advance of the deadline, as the high volume of applications at the last minute means your application may not reach the organisers in time.