How to apply to the Blue Book traineeship programme

Last updated on Friday, 18/07/2025

Would you like to do a traineeship in the European Commission? Here are some tips you should have in mind when applying.

Would you like to do a traineeship in the European Union? Here are some tips you should have in mind when applying.

Twice a year, the European Commission offers university graduates from the EU the chance to be selected for paid administrative or translation internships for a period of five months. The traineeship can start on 1 March or 1 October.

This is a great chance to get practical experience in EU Institutions, bodies or agencies. You could be placed in Brussels, in Luxembourg or elsewhere across the European Union, where other EU agencies are located.

We interviewed Iveri Gustafsson, a former Blue Book trainee at the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Iveri shared his background and told us about his experience during the application process, as well as the tasks he performs in this traineeship, and he gave us some valuable tips for all those of you who want to apply and be part of this programme!

Some tips to keep in mind when applying

• Target your keywords wisely. There are thousands of people applying, which is why it is so important to work on the keywords you use during the application. Make them relevant to the position you are applying for and use keywords specific to the European Union and its priorities.
• Be curious. Follow the information from the websites and social media channels of EU institutions, delegations and missions.
• Don’t be discouraged if you think you don’t fit the “profile”. Even if you don’t have an academic background in political science, international relations, law etc. you can still work for the EU institutions. There are plenty of trainees with diverse profiles and skillsets, so why not be one of them?
• Check the programmes and priorities of the institution you want to apply for. This will help you create your application and explain your motivation (for example, why are you interested in climate change and want to contribute to the success of this particular EU policy or programme?).
• Prepare and save all your documents. During the selection process, you will be asked for several documents, and you will have a strict deadline of one week to do so, and it can be stressful. So be ready, check what kind of supporting documents are required, make copies and prepare them in good time!
• Be patient. The process can be quite long. It may take a while for them to get back to you.
• Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application!
• Before applying, it is also very important to read information about the programme. Make sure you know the programme in depth, read the conditions it offers and pay attention to the eligibility criteria.

Once ready, create an EU Login account, complete and submit the application form!

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link