The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) offers five-month long-term traineeships to university graduates at its offices in Brussels, with a monthly grant. The autumn session begins on 16 September, and applications close on 31 March 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official EESC page and set out each step of the process below.
What the EESC Long-Term Traineeship Involves
Twice a year, the European Economic and Social Committee offers traineeships for a period of five months to university graduates. 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.
Session Dates and Place of the Traineeship
🍂 Autumn session: begins on 16 September
❄️ Spring session: begins on 16 February
🗓️ Duration: five months
📍 Location: the Committee's offices in Brussels
For a brief description of the EESC's organisation chart and the tasks typically carried out by trainees, the EESC provides a downloadable document called "Traineeships at the EESC 2024" on its long-term traineeships page.
The Monthly Grant for Long-Term Trainees
Long-term trainees are given a monthly grant in accordance with the provisions regarding traineeships at the EESC. For long-term traineeships taking place within the period from 16 February 2026 to 15 February 2027, the grant is a lump sum of €1,538.88 per month, and this amount remains unchanged until the end of the 2026 autumn session on 15 February 2027. The EESC page does not yet state the amount for sessions starting after that date.
The EESC has also adopted a separate decision on the travel and mobility allowance for long-term and short-term traineeships (see the official documents listed further down). This guide to paid internships abroad for students and recent graduates gives broader context on how funded traineeships work.
Educational Requirement
The traineeships are aimed at university graduates. Candidates who are not in possession of a university diploma can send a letter provided by the university stating that they have successfully completed a level of education corresponding to a university degree of three years of study.
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What Matters Most, According to the EESC
The EESC receives far more applications than places available, so it stresses the following points:
📖 Carefully read the provisions regarding traineeships at the European Economic and Social Committee
🖊️ Complete the online application form correctly
🌐 Use the most recent version of your web browser, which is recommended for your security and a smoother user experience
📨 Respond to emails from the European Economic and Social Committee accurately and on time
🤫 Do not contact any of the EESC's services by email or telephone, and wait until you receive an answer
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the EESC's online application form. Your application can be updated as long as your status is "Registered".
Pre-Selection and the Documents You Will Be Asked For
If your application is pre-selected, you will receive an email informing you about this, and at that point you will be asked to upload copies of the relevant documents:
🎓 University diploma(s)
🪪 Identity card or passport
It is not necessary to have certified copies made of your university degree certificate(s). Please do not send your documents unless you are invited to do so in a separate email.
Documents Required From Selected Trainees
Candidates selected for a traineeship will at a later stage be asked to submit originals of the following:
📋 An extract of the police record
🩺 A medical certificate, as trainees have to prove that they are medically fit to serve during the training period
Make sure that you keep copies of all documents sent to the training office. Do not send the originals of your degree certificate(s) or other supporting documents, except where specified above.
An Anonymous Selection Procedure
The selection procedure is anonymous and personal contacts are not allowed. It is not advisable to send an email to the EESC mailbox or directly to any of its services in order to support your application.
Official Documents to Read Before Applying
The EESC publishes the following documents in English and French on its long-term traineeships page:
📘 Traineeships at the EESC 2024
⚖️ Decision No 166/23 A laying down provisions regarding traineeships at the European Economic and Social Committee
🚆 Decision No 167/23 A holding provisions regarding the travel and mobility allowance for long-term and short-term traineeships at the European Economic and Social Committee
Comparing EU Institution Traineeships
If you are looking at five-month traineeships at other EU institutions as well, you can read about the European Commission's Blue Book traineeship and the European Parliament's Schuman traineeships.
Find more internship and traineeship opportunities on Youth Works Hub →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the EESC long-term traineeship?
The EESC long-term traineeship lasts five months and takes place in the Committee's offices in Brussels. Sessions begin on 16 February and 16 September each year.
Is the EESC long-term traineeship paid?
Yes, long-term trainees are given a monthly grant in accordance with the EESC's traineeship provisions. For traineeships taking place between 16 February 2026 and 15 February 2027, the grant is a lump sum of €1,538.88 per month. The EESC page does not yet state the amount for sessions starting after that date.
Can I apply if I have not received my university diploma yet?
Candidates who do not hold a university diploma can send a letter provided by the university. The letter must state that they have successfully completed a level of education corresponding to a university degree of three years of study.
Can I change my EESC application after submitting it?
Yes, your application can be updated as long as its status is "Registered". If you are pre-selected, you will receive an email asking you to upload copies of your documents.
Which documents do I need to send at the start?
You should not send documents unless the EESC invites you to do so in a separate email. Pre-selected candidates are asked to upload copies of their university diploma(s) and identity card or passport, and certified copies of degree certificates are not necessary.
Should I contact the EESC to support my application?
No, the selection procedure is anonymous and personal contacts are not allowed. The EESC asks candidates not to contact its services by email or telephone and to wait until they receive an answer.
Deadline
⏳ 31 March 2027
Links
Online application form: https://candform.eesc.europa.eu/
Official EESC long-term traineeships page: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/work-with-us/traineeships/long-term-traineeships
