Deadline:
March 15, 2025
Program Starts: October 01, 2025
Program Ends: February 28, 2026
Location(s)
Belgium
Rue Montoyer 30, B-1000 Brussels
Overview
In 2005, the EDPS launched its traineeship programme. The main objective is to offer recent university graduates the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies, particularly in their specific areas of competence. Traineeships allow trainees to acquire practical experience of the EDPS’ day-to-day activities as well as in data protection.
Twice a year, our traineeship programme hosts on average six trainees. The traineeship sessions start in October and March, each for a five-month period. In addition to the main traineeship programme, special provisions have been established to accept, under specific and limited admission criteria, university students and PhD students for short-term, non-remunerated traineeships.
Details
ABOUT US
The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) is the European Union’s (EU) independent data protection authority.
Our general mission is to:
- monitor and ensure the protection of personal data and privacy when EU institutions and bodies process the personal information of individuals;
- advise EU institutions and bodies on all matters relating to the processing of personal information. We are consulted by the EU legislator on proposals for legislation and new policy developments that may affect privacy;
- monitor new technology that may affect the protection of personal information;
- intervene before the Court of Justice of the EU to provide expert advice on interpreting data protection law;
- cooperate with national supervisory authorities and other supervisory bodies to improve consistency in protecting personal information.
Read more about Privacy and Data Protection, two fundamental rights in the EU.
The EDPS is an increasingly influential independent supervisory authority, headed by a Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor and supported by an office (secretariat) of experienced lawyers, IT specialists and administrators.
We aim to serve as an impartial centre of excellence for enforcing and reinforcing EU data protection and privacy standards, both in practice and in law.
Together with the basic requirement of independence, the EDPS’ remit includes:
- developing and communicating an overall vision, thinking in global terms and proposing concrete recommendations and practical solutions;
- providing policy guidance so as to meet new and unforeseen challenges in the area of data protection;
- operating at the highest levels and developing and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse community of stakeholders in other EU institutions, Member States, non EU countries and other national or international organisations.
Data Protection Print
Privacy and Data Protection, though connected, are commonly recognised all over the world as two separate rights. In Europe, they are considered vital components for a sustainable democracy.
Though experts sometimes disagree over the finer points of these two rights, on this page you will find a general description of privacy and data protection, as well as an outline of data protection law; data protection in practice; the independence of supervisory authorities; cross border data protection; and the interaction between privacy, data protection and security.
In other pages under this section, you will find links to key pieces of data protection legislation, our Reference Library, Court Cases and a glossary of data protection terms.
What is Privacy?
In the EU, human dignity is recognised as an absolute fundamental right.
In this notion of dignity, privacy or the right to a private life, to be autonomous, in control of information about yourself, to be let alone, plays a pivotal role. Privacy is not only an individual right but also a social value.
Historically, in other parts of the world, such as the U.S.A., privacy has often been regarded as an element of liberty, the right to be free from intrusions by the state. This distinction between Europe and other parts of the world is relative since it is also an element of privacy in the EU.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who can apply: Nationals of a Member State of the EU who have completed the first cycle of the higher education course (three years of university education) and obtained a full degree or its equivalent.
ELIGIBILITY
The traineeship programme is open to university graduates who:
- Have a university degree or equivalent, of at least 3 years of study, corresponding to a complete cycle (Bachelor's);
- Have a very good knowledge (C level as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) of two EU official languagues, one of which must be a procedural language: English or French or German. For non EU nationals only one procedural language is required.
- Have no prior work experience of any kind, in excess of 6 weeks in any EU institution, body or agency, EU delegations, with Members of Parliament (MEPs) or Advocates General at the EUCJ.
Dates
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Program starts:
October 01, 2025
Program ends:
February 28, 2026
Program Starts: October 01, 2025
Program Ends: February 28, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
The living allowance for the traineeship sessions is about €1.418,20 per month.
Visa costs and related medical fees may be reimbursed together with the travel expenditures.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
