Deadline:
March 31, 2026
Program Starts: September 16, 2026
Program Ends: February 15, 2027
Location(s)
Belgium
Bâtiment Jacques Delors Rue Belliard 99-101, B - 1040 Brussels
Overview
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!
Details
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!
Calendar
Spring Session: 16 February to 15 July
- Application period: 1 July to 30 September (noon/12:00, Brussels time) of the previous year.
- Pre-selection and interviews: November
- Selection: December
Autumn Session: 16 September to 15 February
- Application period: 6 January to 31 March (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.
ABOUT CoR
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the voice of regions and cities in the European Union (EU). It represents local and regional authorities across the European Union and advises on new laws that have an impact on regions and cities (70% of all EU legislation). The CoR is a political assembly composed of 350 members and 350 alternates from all EU countries (grouped by political party and headed by the President) who have been elected at local or regional level (for example as Mayors or Presidents of a region). They come to Brussels up to six times a year to debate their opinions on proposed legislation and agree on resolutions for further action by the EU.
- Main principles: The CoR works to bring EU citizens closer to the EU. By involving regional and local representatives who are in daily contact with their electorate's concerns, but also by inviting citizens to participate in various events and debates, the CoR contributes to reducing the gap between the EU institutions' work and EU citizens.
- Multilevel governance: Working in partnership is another pillar of the CoR's work. In other words, the CoR believes in coordinated action between the European, national, regional and local levels.
- Subsidiarity: The principle of subsidiarity must be complied with throughout the EU legislative process, meaning that decisions must be taken at the level of government that best serves the public interest – locally where possible.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
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 English or French
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.
Dates
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Program starts:
September 16, 2026
Program ends:
February 15, 2027
Program Starts: September 16, 2026
Program Ends: February 15, 2027
Cost/funding for participants
In a nutshell
- 5 months
- Full time / 40 hours per week
- Workplace in Brussels, Belgium
- Paid by grant (approx. 1493 euros/month)
- Preferred choice between 3 of the CoR's departments
- Travel and mobility allowance
- Health insurance cover optional
- Accident insurance included
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
