EESC Long-Term Traineeship – Spring 2027

The EESC Long-Term Traineeship – Spring 2027 is a paid five-month EU traineeship offered by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels. It is designed for university graduates who want professional experience in an EU institution and exposure to European policymaking, civil society, communications, administration, policy analysis, and institutional work. The Spring 2027 session runs from 16 February to 15 July 2027, and applications are currently open.

Opportunity

EESC Long-Term Traineeship – Spring 2027

Type

Paid EU Traineeship / Graduate Internship

Organizer

European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

Country

Belgium 🇧🇪

Location

Brussels, Belgium

Traineeship Format

Full-time / Brussels-based

Traineeship Dates

16 February – 15 July 2027

Duration

5 months

EESC runs two long-term traineeship sessions each year: one beginning on 16 February and another on 16 September.

Study Level

University Graduates

Applicants must have completed at least three years of university-level studies and obtained a recognised degree by the application deadline.

Age Requirement

No age limit.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must generally:

• Hold a university degree representing at least three years of completed study
• Have a strong command of one official EU language
• Have satisfactory knowledge of another official EU language
• Have English or French as one of those languages
• Meet the EESC’s general traineeship eligibility rules.

Nationality

The programme primarily selects nationals of EU Member States.

A limited number of non-EU nationals may also be accepted, provided Belgian immigration/work-permit requirements and EESC rules can be satisfied.

Language Requirement

Applicants need:

• Thorough knowledge of one EU language
• Satisfactory knowledge of another EU language
• At least one of these must be English or French.

Previous EU Experience Restriction

Applicants who have already completed a traineeship or qualifying work experience in an EU institution, agency, body, delegation, or representation office may be ineligible under the EESC traineeship rules.

Areas of Work

Trainees may be placed across EESC services depending on organisational needs and applicant profiles. Potential work can involve areas such as:

• EU policy
• Economics and social affairs
• Employment and labour issues
• Environment and sustainability
• Civil society
• Communications
• Institutional affairs
• Administration
• Research and policy analysis

Specific assignments depend on EESC service priorities and available placements.

Monthly Grant

The EESC pays long-term trainees a monthly maintenance grant.

The currently published rate is €1,538.88 per month for traineeships covering the period from 16 February 2026 through 15 February 2027. Because the Spring 2027 session starts on 16 February 2027, the official grant amount applicable to that session has not yet been published on the EESC page and may be updated.

So for a website, I would currently write:

Monthly Grant: Paid – 2027 rate to be confirmed

rather than incorrectly promising €1,538.88 for the Spring 2027 session.

Additional Benefits

Long-term trainees may also receive support under EESC rules relating to:

• Maintenance grant
• Travel allowance
• Mobility allowance
• Accident insurance

Health-insurance requirements also apply.

Application Requirements

The initial application is completed online.

Applicants generally do not need to send supporting documents immediately.

If pre-selected, candidates are asked to provide documents including:

• University diploma or proof of successfully completed university studies
• Passport or national identity card

If finally selected, additional documents include:

• Extract from police records
• Medical certificate confirming fitness for the traineeship.

Application Opening Date

1 July 2026

Application Deadline

30 September 2026

This deadline applies to the Spring 2027 session beginning in February 2027.