European Union Traineeships Program 2026 (Blue Book Traineeship)

The European Union Traineeships Program, also known as the Blue Book Traineeship, is a distinguished internship opportunity offered by the European Commission. Scheduled twice a year, the traineeship allows graduate students or recent graduates to work alongside professional staff in EU directorates-general, agencies, and bodies.

Over the course of approximately five months, trainees gain practical experience in key areas such as competition law, environmental policy, digital strategy, communications, human resources, translation, external relations, and more. Through participation in meetings, drafting legal opinions, responding to citizen inquiries, and supporting daily teamwork, trainees experience first-hand the inner workings of the EU’s executive arm.

The European Commission proposes 2 types of traineeship: an Administrative Traineeship or a Translation Traineeship with the Directorate-General for Translation (DGT). Trainees work all over the European Commission, its services and agencies, mostly in Brussels, but also in Luxembourg and elsewhere across the European Union.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

Have completed at least a 3-year university degree (minimum EQF level 6) by the application deadline;
Have no more than 6 weeks of previous experience at any EU institution, agency, delegation, or Member of the European Parliament;
Demonstrate excellent language proficiency:
- For administrative positions: knowledge of two EU official languages (one must be English, French, or German at C1/C2 level, the other at B2 minimum);
- For translation positions: ability to translate into your mother tongue from at least two official EU languages.

NOTE: Non-EU nationals are eligible for administrative traineeships.

What increases your chance of being selected

Relevant work experience
An international profile, such as study or work abroad
Volunteering experience
Studies in rare or underrepresented academic fields

Program Dates

• Application Deadline: 29 August 2025 (10:00 a.m., Brussels time)
• Traineeship Period: March–July 2026 (exact dates will be confirmed in the selection phase)

Program Coverage / Benefits

• Monthly trainee allowance of approximately €1,493.36
• Travel costs, visa costs and related medical fees will be reimbursed together with travel expenditures.

Required Documents

Applicants must upload supporting documents including:

A copy of passport or national ID.
Degree certificates and transcripts showing completed studies.
Evidence of language proficiency
Proof of work experience: This may include signed letters, contracts, payslips, tax declarations, or freelance invoices. The system allows you to indicate up to five work experiences.
Proof of international experience (e.g., Erasmus, study abroad, international work, or volunteering).

How to Apply for the European Commission Blue Book Traineeship

Create an EU Login account, if you don’t already have one.
Go to the application portal, and click “Send an application.”
Choose the type of traineeship you are applying for: Administrative (ADMIN) or Translation (DGT)

NOTE: You may only apply for one type of traineeship per session. Parallel applications are not allowed.

Prepare and upload supporting documents
After you are pre-selected, the next phase begins, where you can apply for specific traineeship positions. In this stage:

You write one general motivation letter (used for all posts),
And prepare a tailored cover letter for each post you apply to

You can apply for up to three posts, one at a time, across three application rounds. However, you will only be selected for one position.

What does a trainee's daily work consist of?

Attending and organising meetings, working groups, and public hearings
Researching, drafting and editing documentation – including reports and consultations
Answering citizens’ inquiries
Supporting the management of projects
Translating, revising translations or researching terminology

Gain real world experience at the heart of Europe through a fully paid 5-month internship!