European Economic and Social Committee - Traineeships in the European Economic and Social Committee

EESC traineeship in Brussels

You will receive a monthly grant of 1,538.88 EUR for a five-month paid placement at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels. The EESC is an EU body representing employers, employees and civil society. In addition to the grant, you will receive a flat-rate travel allowance for local transport in Brussels. You will also receive a flat-rate travel allowance if you live more than 50 km away and complete at least half of the placement. You will work in one of the EESC’s departments, gain an insight into how the body operates and become part of its network of former interns. There are two intake periods per year, each lasting five months and starting on 16 February and 16 September. For students undertaking a compulsory work placement, there is also a shorter option lasting between 1 and 3 months, for which you will receive half the monthly stipend.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have completed a university degree programme lasting at least three years and can provide your degree certificate by the application deadline. Alternatively, you are currently enrolled at university and this placement is a requirement of your degree programme.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: You are a national of an EU country. A limited number of non-EU nationals may also be recruited, provided they hold a residence and work permit for Belgium.
• Languages: You have a good command of one EU language and a satisfactory command of a second. One of these languages must be English or French.
• Age: There is neither a minimum nor a maximum age.
• No earlier EU placement: You have not yet completed a work placement at an EU institution, agency or body. Nor have you worked as an assistant to a Member of the European Parliament or as an adviser or contract staff member at an EU institution.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the EESC’s online form. For the September intake, the application period runs from 3 January to 31 March. For the February intake, the deadline runs from 1 July to 30 September. There is no fixed application deadline for the short-term placement, but you must apply at least two months before your desired start date.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known EU traineeship open to graduates from all disciplines and from all EU countries; as a result, there is a large pool of applicants and competition is fierce. A good command of English or French, as well as a clear alignment with the work of the EESC, will help you stand out from other applicants. It is advisable to apply early in the application period, as places are limited to two intake periods per year.