European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme 2026

The Blue Book Traineeship programme is a five-month paid internship offered by the European Commission, providing graduates from around the world with hands-on experience in EU policymaking and administration. 

Trainees work in a multicultural environment, develop professional skills, and gain insights into the operations of EU institutions.

• Table of Content
• About European Commission
• European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme
• Aim and Benefits of European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme
• Requirements for European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About European Commission

We are the European Commission’s department for International Partnerships under the leadership of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen. Our role is to: work together with partner countries across the world to achieve sustainable development design the EU’s international partnership and development policy We are responsible for formulating the EU’s international partnership and development policy, with the ultimate goal to reduce poverty, ensure sustainable development, and promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world. EU Internationa... continue reading

European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme

Aim and Benefits of European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme

The living allowance for the traineeship sessions is about €1.493,36 per month.

Requirements for European Commission Blue Book Traineeship programme Qualification

Subject to eligibility criteria, the traineeship is open to all EU citizens, regardless of age.  A limited number of places are also allocated to non-EU nationals in specific Directorates-General or Services

The Blue Book Traineeship programme is open to university graduates who:

1. have completed a standard 3-year higher education degree (minimum EQF 6 level), corresponding to a complete Bachelor’s cycle, or equivalent. Only if you have a certificate or official confirmation from your university that you have such a degree will you be eligible to apply.
   
   You will have to provide the following documents:
   • diplomas or certificates with final grades clearly indicated
   • and proof of minimum EQF 6 level. Find out more about EQF levels
      
2. have no prior work experience of any kind, in excess of 6 weeks in any EU institution, body or agency, delegation, with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), or Advocates General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (EUCJ)
    
3. have a very good knowledge of languages:

• For the administrative traineeship – you must have a very good knowledge of two EU official languages, one of which must be a working language: English, French or German at C1 or C2 level as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and a second one at B2 level at least as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  For non-EU nationals, only one procedural language is required at C1 or C2 level.

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Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Create an EU Login or connect with an existing account
• If you are a new user, register on European Commission Authentication Service (EU Login) to begin your application.
• Complete and submit the application form together with supporting documents
• You can submit only one application per session and per type of traineeship, administrative (ADMIN) or translation (DGT).

• Go to your candidate account, click on Send an application and choose the traineeship type to access the application form.

• You can navigate between sections using the left-hand menu and save your progress to return later.
• Feel free to preview your application before submission.
• Once submitted, changes cannot be made.

For more details, visit European Commission Traineeship webpage