Working inside one of Europe's most important security agencies. Supporting high-level visits and events at Europol headquarters in The Hague. Contributing to Europe's safety — not as an observer, but as a team member. This paid internship at Europol is one of the most impactful EU institution opportunities available to recent graduates right now.
Europol — the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation — is inviting applications for a paid internship in its Internal Communication & Protocol Team within the Corporate Communications Unit of the Corporate Affairs Bureau.
What Is Europol?
Europol supports EU Member States in preventing and combating serious international and organised crime, cybercrime, and terrorism. Its main tasks include collecting, processing, and analysing criminal intelligence; coordinating cross-border investigative and operational actions; providing analytical support for major international events; developing specialist knowledge of crime prevention methods; and producing threat assessments and strategic analyses.
What Is This Internship About?
This placement focuses on protocol, high-level visits, and event management — supporting the Internal Communication & Protocol Team in the day-to-day organisation and execution of high-level visits to Europol and related events.
The intern will support the team by:
🤝 Providing support in the preparation of high-level visits and events from both a protocol and organisational perspective
🎪 Assisting during the execution of visits — on-the-ground support throughout
📋 Supporting the Protocol function in everyday administration linked to the organisation of high-level visits and event management
✍️ Drafting processes related to the implementation of protocol
🗂️ Maintaining overviews and logs
🔍 Carrying out desktop market research for protocol items — including analysis and support for the procurement process — under supervision
📌 Any other activities requested by the internship supervisor
Who Should Apply?
Eligibility
🔹 National of an EU Member State
🔹 Has reached the age of majority in their country of origin
🔹 Holds a university degree or completed vocational training relevant to Europol's tasks — only diplomas from EU Member State authorities or officially recognised equivalents are accepted
🔹 Very good knowledge of English (Europol's main working language) plus satisfactory knowledge of at least one other EU language — minimum B1 level
🔹 Has not already benefited for more than six weeks from any internship (formal or informal, paid or unpaid) or employment within any European institution, agency, or body — including Europol
Selection Criteria
Experience:
🎯 Experience in event management and/or protocol
📝 Experience in drafting processes and procedures
🌟 Experience dealing with high-profile stakeholders — considered an advantage
Education:
🎓 Completed studies or vocational training in diplomacy and protocol, event management, international relations, hospitality management, or any other relevant field
📚 Good knowledge of individual elements of each phase of the event planning cycle
🏛️ Knowledge of the principles, role, and importance of diplomatic protocol
General Competencies:
🔄 Adaptability & Flexibility — navigates changing priorities with a positive, solution-oriented approach
💡 Problem-solving — ability to propose creative solutions to challenges
📊 Numerical & Analytical skills — interpreting and drawing insights from data
🤝 Teamwork & Cooperation — contributing to team objectives in a collaborative environment
🗣️ Communication & Interpersonal skills — expressing ideas clearly, listening actively, building positive relationships
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion — comfortable working in international, multicultural environments
📈 Feedback Orientation and Growth Focus — actively seeks and applies constructive feedback
💻 IT Proficiency — competent in standard office software and digital tools
What Europol Offers
💶 Monthly maintenance grant: €1,602 — set as of 1 July 2025, reviewed annually, intended to cover living costs in the Netherlands
🏖️ 2 days of leave per complete month of internship — plus ad hoc additional days in exceptional circumstances
🛡️ Accident and death insurance while present at or linked to Europol premises
📋 Formal supervisor assigned from day one — responsible for setting learning objectives and assessing them at the end of the internship
📄 Internship Performance Report produced jointly by intern and supervisor at the end of the placement
💻 Flexible working arrangements — same as those offered to Europol staff members, including a mixture of teleworking (within permissible distance from The Hague) and on-site work
Important Conditions
⚠️ All interns must possess sickness insurance throughout the entire internship period — proof must be presented to HR before the start date.
⚠️ Interns must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct — issued no more than 3 months before presenting it to Europol — prior to commencing the internship.
⚠️ Interns who may access sensitive activities or classified information will be security cleared at the appropriate level before starting.
⚠️ No intern may serve beyond 12 months at Europol in the same or similar capacity.
⚠️ Inclusion on the reserve list does not guarantee receiving an internship offer.
⚠️ If you are already paid by an employer or receive a grant covering living costs, Europol will only pay the difference between that amount and the monthly maintenance grant.
Selection Procedure
Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee — one HR representative and at least two representatives from the relevant directorate/department. Applications are judged on merit based on the published selection criteria. Europol maintains gender balance and equilibrium between interns from different Member States where possible.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a remote interview in June 2026 and must provide:
🪪 Valid passport or identity card
🎓 University diploma or certificate of completed studies / vocational training
After the selection procedure, a reserve list valid for 12 months is established. Starting date of the internship project: 01 September 2026.
Key Dates
📅 Publication date: 06 May 2026
⏰ Application deadline: 20 May 2026 at 23:59 Amsterdam time
🎤 Remote interviews: June 2026
🚀 Internship start date: 01 September 2026
Activity Details
📍 Location: Eisenhowerlaan 73, The Hague, Netherlands
⏱️ Commitment: Full-time — 40 hours per week
⏳ Duration: Minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months
🏷️ Reference number: INT 2026 PHL 09
Apply & More Information
🌐 Apply here: https://www.europol.europa.eu/work-with-us/careers/internships
📖 More about Europol internships: https://www.europol.europa.eu/careers-procurement/internships/about-europol-internships
📧 Contact: C2-134@europol.europa.eu
