Location: Currently online, but when possible Brussels
Deadline: 15 March 2021
Duration:  2 to 5 months

What can you expect from your traineeship?
A traineeship at the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) offers:
  • first-hand experience of the work of the GSC
  • EU knowledge - insight into the processes and policies of the EU institutions
  • an opportunity to contribute to the Council's day-to-day business
  • the chance to work in a multicultural, multilingual and multi-ethnic environment
  • an opportunity to share your fresh point of view and the knowledge you have acquired during your studies 

Important information: the organisation of traineeships is currently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic..
The February - June 2021 traineeship will start in online mode and trainees will not be required to be in Brussels for the start of the traineeship.

Depending on the situation and the measures of the Belgian federal government we may request trainees to come to Brussels later during the traineeship.

The Traineeships Office is keen to ensure that the traineeship experience is beneficial both for trainees and for the GSC. 
Candidates selected will be informed of any changes in due time.
 
There are 4 types of traineeships in the Council, you can choose a traineeship which is of interest to you:
What does a traineeship involve?
Depending on the needs of the service, your daily work would generally be equivalent to that of junior administrator officials at the beginning of their career, such as:
  • preparing meetings and drafting minutes
  • attending meetings of Council preparatory bodies and Coreper (Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the member states to the EU)
  • researching on a particular project
  • translating documents
  • compiling documentation, writing reports

Trainees will also be invited to take part in a study programme that includes visits and conferences at other EU institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.

Who can apply?
Nationality
GSC traineeships are open to:
  • EU citizens 
  • citizens from candidate countries that have concluded EU accession negotiations

Languages
Candidates must have very good knowledge of at least two EU official languages. Given that English and French are used extensively for internal communication within the GSC, a good knowledge of English or French is required, (*C level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Profiles
The majority of applications currently come from candidates with qualifications in law, political science, international relations, EU studies and economics.
The GSC is also looking for trainees with qualifications in other domains, such as: translation, human resources, communication, education studies, computer sciences (collaboration platforms), archives and document management, civil engineering, graphic design, multimedia, agriculture, biochemical engineering, health and food safety, energy management, environment, aerospace engineering.

Who can't apply?
Applications will not be accepted from candidates who have already benefited from any kind of training (paid or unpaid) or employment for more than 6 weeks within an EU institution, body, agency or office.

Complaints procedure
We strive to offer the highest standards of service.
However, if you think that you have been subject to maladministration, you have the right to introduce a complaint to the European Ombudsman. Please note that before the Ombudsman can accept a complaint from you, you need to first raise your concerns with the traineeships office.

Contact
For more information you can contact the traineeships office:
Tel: +32 22813677

For more information or how to apply, check the website.