At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this EU Affairs Traineeship at Technology Industries of Finland (TIF) in Brussels, Belgium. It is a paid 12-month traineeship starting in January 2027 at €2,200 per month, in which you work alongside the Head of EU Affairs and a Senior Advisor on EU advocacy for Finland's technology industries. The right to work in Belgium is required.
About Technology Industries of Finland
Technology Industries of Finland (TIF) represents Finnish technology industries and counts over 1,800 member companies, from SMEs and start-ups to world-leading multinational companies. The technology industry comprises five main sectors: electronics and electrotechnical industry, mechanical engineering and metal products, metals refining, design and consulting, and information technology.
Technology industry operations make up over 50% of all Finnish exports and account for 70% of all private RDI investments. Finnish technology companies are known for their strong climate handprint and leadership on critical digital technology in Europe, and TIF employs around 120 experts in Helsinki.
The Role in Brussels
EU advocacy is one of TIF's strategic priorities. As EU Affairs Trainee you join the Brussels Office, work alongside the Head of EU Affairs and a Senior Advisor, and become directly involved in supporting the interests of Finland's technology industries towards the EU institutions.
You are also part of TIF's wider Public Affairs team, which brings together EU advocacy and public affairs experts in Brussels and Finland. You contribute to the planning and coordination of advocacy and gain first-hand experience of how an industry association works to influence EU policymaking.
What You Will Do
📡 Monitor EU policy and legislative developments relevant to the technology industries.
📣 Support the preparation and implementation of EU advocacy activities.
📝 Prepare briefings, background materials and summaries for meetings and events.
👂 Follow discussions in the EU institutions and relevant stakeholder forums.
🤝 Support TIF's engagement with European trade associations and other partners.
🗓️ Help organise meetings, stakeholder events and other Brussels activities.
🎤 Coordinate speakers, invitations, venues and other practical arrangements.
🧩 Support the Brussels Office and the wider Public Affairs team as needed.
Who TIF Is Looking For
TIF wants a motivated and curious colleague who is interested in EU policymaking and wants to develop a career in European affairs. You do not need to be an EU affairs expert: what matters most is motivation to learn, intellectual curiosity and willingness to take responsibility.
🎓 A higher education degree, or being close to completing one, in a field such as political science, European studies, law, economics, social sciences or a related discipline.
🏛️ A good basic understanding of the EU institutions and EU policymaking.
💡 A strong interest in the technology sector and in policy areas such as competitiveness, sustainability, digitalisation and industrial policy.
⚡ The ability to learn quickly and turn complex information into clear and concise summaries.
📋 Good organisational skills and the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
🙌 Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, proactive approach.
🇬🇧 Excellent written and spoken English.
🪪 The right to work in Belgium.
Knowledge of Finnish, Swedish and/or French is an advantage, as is previous experience of organising meetings or events.
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What TIF Offers
💶 A paid 12-month traineeship with benefits (€2,200/month).
🧭 Hands-on experience of EU advocacy in Brussels.
🏢 Exposure to EU institutions, European industry associations and policy stakeholders.
📚 Opportunities for training, professional development and networking.
🧑🏫 Support from experienced public affairs and EU advocacy colleagues.
🌐 An open, international and collaborative working environment.
🌿 A workplace that values both professional development and employee well-being.
For a wider view of how paid and funded placements abroad work, the guide to paid internships abroad explains what to expect from allowances and costs.
Start Date and Interviews
📅 The ideal start is the beginning of January 2027.
🗣️ Interviews take place during weeks 48 and 49.
How to Apply
Submit your CV and a cover letter of maximum one page through the online application form by the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TIF traineeship in Brussels?
The traineeship lasts 12 months and ideally starts at the beginning of January 2027.
How much does the TIF EU Affairs Trainee earn?
The traineeship is paid and comes with benefits. The vacancy lists €2,200 per month.
Who can apply for the TIF EU Affairs Traineeship?
TIF looks for someone with a higher education degree or close to completing one in a field such as political science, European studies, law, economics or social sciences, with excellent written and spoken English and the right to work in Belgium.
Do I need prior EU affairs experience?
No. TIF does not expect you to already be an EU affairs expert. Previous experience of organising meetings or events is an advantage, along with knowledge of Finnish, Swedish and/or French.
When are the interviews?
Interviews take place during weeks 48 and 49.
What documents do I need to apply?
You submit your CV and a cover letter of maximum one page through the application link.
Deadline
⏳ 20 November 2026
Links
Browse all internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
🔗 Apply: https://www.recright.com/careers/en/teknologiateollisuus/eu-affairs-trainee-6aedb6d5930f71334d210e31
🏢 TIF website: https://teknologiateollisuus.fi
📖 TIF EU advocacy aims: https://teknologiateollisuus.fi/en/our-goals/eu-affairs/
