Internships – Traineeships at the CoR – Belgium

Each year, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) provides a limited number of Cicero internships offering the opportunity to acquire work experience in a European institution.

Three types of internships are available: Standard Traineeship, Short-term study visits and Traineeship for Government Officials:

1.Standard traineeship

5-month traineeships for young graduates, running from 16 February until 15 July (Spring traineeships) or from 16 September to 15 February (Autumn traineeships).

Trainees are selected from nationals of the EU Member States. However a limited number of citizens from third countries (including the UK) may be accepted.

Applicants must

• 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;
• have a thorough knowledge of one official EU language and a 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

CoR-trainees are entitled to a monthly grant (approx. 1493 euros/month).

Application periods:

– 6 January to 31 March, 12.00 CET, of the same year (for Autumn traineeships 16 September – 15 February);

– 1 July to 30 September, 12.00 CEST, of previous year (for spring traineeships 16 February – 15 July).

Applications are to be made exclusively via the Internet.

2.Short-term study visits

For persons whose professional, academic or research activities indicate that they would familiarise with the Committee’s practical workings and/or policies.

Applicants must

• be EU citizens or citizens from a state which is an official candidate for accession;
• have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree;
• be able to show that he/she needs to deepen his/her knowledge of the Committee of the Regions for reasons related to professional, academic or research activities.

Beneficiaries receive no grant, nor any other financial support from the CoR. The maximum duration for short-term study visit is 4 months, but it may be extended to 6 months.

Deadline: There are no fixed deadlines for short term study visits.

Applicants should forward their CV and letter of motivation to trainee@cor.europa.eu. The letter must state clearly in which department they would like to work.

3. Study visit for Government Officials

For staff from a national, regional or local public authority of an EU Member state or an official accession candidate, including civil servants enrolled in governmental training programme.

Eligible candidates get:

• 1-4 months traineeship, extendable to 6 months possible with permission of the Secretary General
• Starting date is agreed upon with the candidate
• Full time/ 40 hours
• Accident insurance covered by the CoR

Unpaid, all expenses to be covered by the participant or their sending authority

Applicants need to submit their CV in English, French or German and a motivation letter mentioning their preferred CoR-department to trainee@cor.europa.eu.

Deadline: 30 September 2025

More information: Eurodesk