Long-term traineeships in the European Economic and Social Committee (September -February 2025/26)

These periods of in-service training offer an opportunity to learn about the EESC's roles and activities and to acquire professional experience in a multicultural environment. They begin on 16 February and 16 September of each year and take place in the Committee's offices in Brussels.

As the EESC receives far more applications than places available it is important:

• That you read carefully the provisions regarding traineeships at the European Economic and Social Committee
• That you complete the on-line application form correctly and receive a registration number.
• That you respond to emails from the European Economic and Social Committee accurately and on time.
• That you do not contact (either by e-mail or by telephone) any of our services but you should first wait until you receive an answer from us.

If your application has been pre-selected, you will receive an email which will inform you about this. At this point, you are required to send copies of relevant documents (university diplomas, contracts of previous employment, identity card or passport). Please do not send your documents as long as you do not have the status of "pre-selected". Candidates who are not in possession of a university diploma can send a letter provided by the university, stating that they have successfully completed the course of study in question. Please note that your application can be updated until your status is "application registered". 

ABOUT

Get to know the European Economic and Social Committee

The EESC is not like other EU bodies. It is a unique forum for consultation, dialogue and consensus between representatives from all the di erent sectors of "organised civil soci- ety", including employers, trade unions and groups such as professional and community associations, youth organisations, women's groups, consumers, environmental cam- paigners and many more.

The EESC has always been an integral part of the EU: it was set up in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome, to advise EU decision-makers and ensure that ordinary people across the conti- nent have a say in Europe’s development.

The European Parliament, Council and Com- mission are legally obliged to consult the EESC when passing new laws on a wide range of topics. The EESC examines the proposals and draws up opinions based on agreement reached between its members.

In addition, the EESC adopts own-initiativeopinions on topics members believe to be im- portant in the interests of EU citizens. It also produces exploratory opinions, requested by EU law-makers when they want an over- view of civil society’s views, and publishes in- formation reports on topical issues. The EESC also develops ideas re ecting the demands of civil society on a project basis and carries out impact assessments to monitor the e ect of EU legislation.

The EESC is made up of three groups: Em- ployers – Group I, Workers – Group II and Various Interests – Group III. The aim is to build consensus between these groups so that EESC opinions truly re ect the economic and social interests of EU citizens.