European Commission Blue Book Traineeship
European Commission trainee
The Blue Book is the official paid traineeship programme of the European Commission. It gives young graduates from EU and some non-EU countries the chance to work inside EU institutions, gaining hands-on experience with policymaking, law, administration, and translation (depending on the role).
The traineeship lasts five months, running from March to July 2026. Most placements are in Brussels or Luxembourg, but some may be in EU delegations around the world.
Trainees receive a monthly grant of ~€1,490, plus reimbursement for travel expenses and disability-related costs if applicable. This allows a decent standard of living in Brussels or Luxembourg.
Who can apply?
You must:
- Have completed at least a 3 year university degree (bachelor level),
- Know two EU official languages, one of which must be English, French, or German.
- EU citizens are prioritized, but limited spots are available for non-EU nationals.
For the March 2026 session, the application period is from July 15, 2025 (10:00 CET) to 29 August 2025 (10:00 CET).
for more information: European Commission Trainee