Blue Book Traineeship Programme

The European Commission Blue Book Traineeship is a prestigious, five-month paid programme offered by the European Commission. It is a unique opportunity to work in a multicultural environment, develop professional skills, and contribute to projects that shape the future of Europe.

Open to university graduates, it provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at international policymaking. Participants, known as trainees or stagiaires, undertake a professional internship at the heart of the European Union's civil service.

There are two sessions yearly and the October 2026 session is currently open for applications. Each session has approximately 1,000 positions available, with successful applicants receiving a monthly living allowance of €1,538.26.

Because the European Commission deals with policy areas from food safety, climate action, AI, and space travel to competition law and humanitarian aid, the roles are incredibly diverse. Depending on your background, you could find yourself working on:

• Drafting and analysis roles: Writing policy briefs, researching new environmental regulations, or analysing economic data.
• Creative and communication roles: Managing social media campaigns, organising major international events, or answering inquiries from EU citizens.
• Technical and scientific roles: Scientific traineeships are available in laboratories at the Joint Research Centre, supporting cybersecurity projects, or managing digital transformation initiatives.
• Legal and linguistic roles: Investigating competition cases, translating official legislation, or researching legal precedents.
• Project Management: Helping oversee multi-million euro funding programmes like Erasmus+ or Horizon Europe.

• Work at the Centre of the EU: Gain first-hand insight into how the European Union operates by working in one of a wide-range of EU bodies.
• A Launchpad for Your Career: This traineeship is a recognised stepping stone to international careers, with many alumni moving into roles within EU institutions or global organisations.
• Dynamic, Multicultural Environment: Collaborate with peers and professionals from all 27 Member States, building an invaluable international network.
• Paid Experience: Trainees receive a monthly living allowance of €1,538.16.
• Diverse Opportunities: Beyond administrative roles, there are specialised scientific traineeships at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and translation roles with the Directorate-General for Translation are available.

• Education: You must hold a university degree (at least a 3-year Bachelor’s or EQF 6 level) by the application deadline. Proof for all qualifications and professional experience must be provided.
• Languages: Proficiency in two EU official languages is required. One must be a working language: English, French, or German (C1/C2 level), and the second at least B2 level. These levels refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Irish counts as an official EU language.
• Experience: Applicants must have less than six weeks of prior work experience in any EU institution or related body.
• Location: Most positions are based in Brussels or Luxembourg, with some opportunities elsewhere in the EU.

For authoritative information, please check the official Blue Book Traineeship Programme webpage.

Applications are now open!

• Applications are now invited for the October to February session 2026. The application period runs until the 7th of April 2026 (10 AM Brussels’ time).
• For the most up-to-date deadlines and to start your journey with EU traineeships, visit the official European Commission Traineeships Portal.
• European Movement Ireland produce an invaluable guide to traineeships known as The Green Book: An Irish Trainee’s Guide. The 2025 to 2026 edition is available via europeanmovement.ie.