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Traineeships 

© European Union / Cecilia Albè

Is the involvement of local and regional realities at European level close to your heart? Do you believe the involvement of citizens in the EU decision-making process is necessary? Then, check out the traineeship programmes that the CoR offers!

This is a unique opportunity for you to get in touch with a dynamic and human-sized institutional reality!

Contents

Cicero traineeships

As a CoR trainee, you will be witnessing first-hand the dynamics of a multilingual and multinational institution. Within a small group of trainees, you will not only be able to work across a wide range of EU policy aspects, but you will also have the unique possibility to create an event by yourself!

Thanks to the unique YFactor scheme, trainees are invited to carry out project work addressing issues that are relevant for European regions and cities. Whether you decide to work on a conference, a podcast, or an eBook – as a CoR trainee your creativity will be challenged and encouraged!

  • 5 months
  • Full time / 40 hours per week
  • Workplace in Brussels, Belgium
  • Paid by grant (approx. 1360 euros/month)
  • Preferred choice between 3 of the CoR's departments
  • Travel and mobility allowance
  • Health insurance cover optional
  • Accident insurance included

Calendar

Spring Session:16 February to 15 July

Application period: 1 July to 9 October (noon, Brussels time) of the previous year; please note that for the Spring 2024 session the deadline has been exceptionally extended from 30 September to 9 October noon (Brussels time).
Pre-selection and interviews: November
Selection: December

Autumn Session: 16 September to 15 February

Application period: 3 January to 3 April (noon/12:00, Brussels time) of the same year
Pre-selection and interviews: May
Selection: June
Warning: We recommend that you avoid applying close to the deadline, as high data traffic could mean that your application may not reach us on time. We can not accept any applications that were not sent on time, or not submitted electronically.

Who are we looking for?

  • EU citizens
  • Citizens from third countries (including the UK) can also apply, and may be selected in exceptional cases, notably if their candidature is of particular interest to the CoR and if they comply with the requirements under national immigration law for residing and working legally in Belgium
  • University graduates who have obtained a full undergraduate academic degree, or have completed at least the third year of higher education (university or equivalent), by the closing date for applications
  • Candidates who are fluent in one EU language and have satisfactory knowledge of French or English
  • Candidates who have already received more than 8 weeks of in-house placement (whether paid or unpaid) in a European institution, body, delegation or representative office or who have had any form of employment in a European institution or body shall not be accepted

How to apply?

  • Choose your preferred CoR department (up to 3 possible)
  • Make sure that you fill in the mandatory fields, only provide correct information and check before you submit your application

Note: You will still be able to make changes to your form before the application deadline.

Note: False statements will lead to rejection of the application or cancellation of the traineeship.

Note: You are allowed to submit only one application per traineeship period.

Do you have what it takes? Use our Application form and apply now!

Study visits

Students looking to finalise their work project, or who are curious about how local and regional authorities contribute to EU legislation in fields such as Citizenship, Cohesion, Climate Change, Public Procurement and Security are welcome to apply for a study visit. Study visits are an excellent opportunity to discover the geographical dimension of EU policies. Moreover, they provide the occasion to reinforce academic preparation with first-hand experience with the work of an EU consultative body.
In order to be accepted for a study visit, applicants must either:

  • provide proof of funding from another body, such as a university, a public / private body or NGO, in the form of a scholarship, grant, etc.
  • or provide proof that the study visit is an integral part of their education (for example, if the study visit is required as part of thesis research or to complete the course of studies)
  • 1-4 months, extendable up to 6 months depending on the resources available
  • Starting date is agreed upon with the candidate
  • Full time / 40 hours a week
  • Workplace in Brussels, Belgium
  • Health insurance cover is not provided
  • Accident insurance included

Who are we looking for?

  • EU citizens

    Note: Citizens from third countries (including the UK) may apply and may be selected in exceptional cases, notably if their candidature is of particular interest to the CoR and if they comply with requirements under national immigration law for residing and working legally in Belgium

  • Candidates who hold at least a Bachelor's degree (or have completed half of a Bachelor's degree deemed relevant to the CoR's work)
  • Candidates who are fluent in one EU language and have satisfactory knowledge of French or English

Upon request you will need to provide:

  • Legible copy of your passport or identity card
  • Proof of obligatory health insurance cover for the whole study visit
  • Copy of your Bachelor's diploma or a certificate attesting that you have successfully completed, at the start of the study visit, at least half of the training cycle related to a Bachelor's degree which is deemed relevant to CoR activities
  • Copies of proof of professional experiences mentioned in your application

Do you have what it takes? Use our Application form and apply now!

Study visit for Ukrainian nationals in the CIVEX Commission of the CoR

The selection process for the study visit in the CIVEX commission is now closed.

Study visits for government officials

The scheme is open to staff or trainees from a national, regional or local public authority of an EU Member State and may give both the CoR and the official's employing institution the opportunity to enhance collaboration and networking opportunities. Moreover, officials participating in this type of exchange scheme may have the opportunity to gain insights into the work of the CoR while at the same time developing their skills, competencies and knowledge.

  • 2-6 months, Director in charge of Human Resources may authorise an extension for a total period of twelve months
  • Starting date is agreed upon with the candidate
  • Full time / 40 hours
  • Workplace in Brussels, Belgium
  • Unpaid, all expenses to be covered by the participant or their sending authority
  • Accident insurance covered by the CoR

Who can apply?

  • Staff or trainees from a national, regional or local public authority of an EU member state

    Note: Citizens from third countries (including the UK) may apply and may be selected in exceptional cases, notably if their candidature is of particular interest to the CoR and if they comply with requirements under national immigration law for residing and working legally in Belgium

  • Candidates who hold at least a Bachelor's degree (or have completed half the cycle of a Bachelor's degree deemed relevant to the CoR's work)
  • Candidates who work in a position at a level and with content corresponding to the duties performed by EU staff within the CoR
  • Excellent knowledge of French or English

Upon request you will need to provide:

  • Confirmation of employment by the sending authority and its agreement to a study visit at the CoR
  • Proof of obligatory health insurance cover for the whole study visit period
  • Copies of relevant diplomas and/or official certificates mentioned in your application
  • Copies of proof of professional experiences mentioned in your application

How to apply?

  • Choose your preferred CoR department (up to 3 possible)
  • Make sure that you fill in the mandatory fields, only provide correct information and check before you submit your application

Note: False statements will lead to rejection of the application or cancellation of the traineeship.

Note: You are allowed to submit only one application.

Do you have what it takes? Use our Application form and apply now!

Study visit for Ukrainian government officials in the CIVEX Commission of the CoR

Within the CoR activities related to the support provided to Ukraine, the CoR is pleased to welcome 1 Ukrainian government official for a specific study visit within the CIVEX Commission.

To learn more about this opportunity, check eligibility criteria and apply, please consult this document. The deadline for applications is 20 November 2023, 18.00 (Brussels time).

Testimonials

Noemi Signorelli

Working as Liaison Trainee in the Directorate of Human Resources and Finance really helped me to create connections among the trainees, and the constant social and professional contact with them really made me understand that the EU needs young people: we are full of potential and desire of making Europe a better place for everyone.

Noemi Signorelli, Directorate E – Human Resources and Finance; Unit E3 – Working conditions and talent management 

Diogo De Almeida Barradas

My experience in the Audiovisual team was invaluable in expanding my skills as a communicator in an EU institutional setting. I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in photography, videography, and audio production under the guidance of top industry professionals. Working here is a frenetic experience of learning and reflecting on the impact of communication at every level.

Diogo De Almeida Barradas, Directorate D – Communication; Unit D1 - Coordination, planning, impact - Outreach strategy 

Giuseppe Giorgio

The CoR experience is a valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of the European decision-making process. Negotiations, policy discussions and stakeholder consultations will provide you with the tools to be part of a process that brings the European institutions closer to local authorities and European citizens.

Giuseppe Giorgio, Directorate C – Legislative Work 2; Unit C1 – COTER Commission 

Dimitra Kaimakami

If you want to understand in depth how the European Committee of the Regions works, then the opportunity to work with the Secretary General's Cabinet is the best place to start. Get ready to take on challenges and grow professionally and personally every day!

Dimitra Kaimakami, Cabinet of the Secretary General 

Léa Pautonnier

What a privilege to understand the political balances and negotiations from the inside! It has given me the possibility to sharpen my opinion and make it more relevant in the context of growing global issues.

Léa Pautonnier , RENEW EUROPE 

Rohat Akcakaya

Engaging in policy-making at the convergence of local, regional, and EU levels, I found both professional and personal fulfillment. The dynamic and international atmosphere, coupled with challenging yet enriching tasks, made every moment unforgettable. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the EU's progress and collaborate with exceptional colleagues from across the Union has truly been a rewarding chapter in my career.

Rohat Akcakaya, PES 

Marta Gonzalez Barragan

The Committee of the Regions has proven to be an enriching and satisfying experience, where my journey has been marked by continuous learning, a deep sense of humanity, and active engagement. If I were to encapsulate my experience in a few words, they would be: growth, understanding and involvement.

Marta Gonzalez Barragan, Directorate E – Human Resources and Finance; Unit EI – Strategic use of resources, smart house 

Albert Nicolas Lopez

I never thought that as an engineer, you could find your place at the EU institutions, especially at the Committee of the Regions. Not only I created and managed a project on my own, but I also made connections and had a real impact among the staff. Along the way, you will learn first-hand about the work of a public institution, and you will experience personal and professional growth in a very diverse and international environment.

Albert Nicolas Lopez, Directorate IIT; Unit DIT 

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