The European External Action Service is offering a six-month traineeship in Brussels with a monthly grant of €1,572. EU citizens with relevant academic backgrounds can apply by 21 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is inviting applications for a six-month traineeship with the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, based in Brussels, Belgium.
The opportunity provides exposure to the European Union’s diplomatic work concerning the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. The selected trainee will work within the EUSR’s office and gain practical experience in political monitoring, research, policy analysis, public diplomacy and international relations.
The traineeship offers a monthly grant of €1,572 and is suitable for eligible EU nationals with an academic background in international relations, political science, European studies, law, economics, communication or a related field.
Applications close on 21 October 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
Traineeship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | European External Action Service (EEAS) |
| Office | EU Special Representative for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue |
| Location | Brussels, Belgium |
| Opportunity | Traineeship |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Monthly grant | €1,572 |
| Eligible applicants | Nationals of EU Member States |
| Application deadline | 21 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time |
| Application email | EUSR-DWB@eeas.europa.eu |
| Official vacancy | EEAS Traineeship Announcement |
Tasks
The trainee will support the work of the EU Special Representative’s office and contribute to activities relating to the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue.
Responsibilities include monitoring political developments, conducting research and analysis, preparing reports and drafting briefings, background information and meeting notes.
The trainee may also assist with administrative tasks, coordinate information from colleagues, participate in meetings and help organise events, official visits and missions.
Additional responsibilities include supporting communication, outreach and public diplomacy activities connected to the EU’s engagement in the Western Balkans.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education Requirements
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields, or a related discipline, and completed or ongoing Master’s studies:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- European Studies
- Law
- Economics
- Communication
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must be nationals of an EU Member State.
Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in European Union affairs and neighbourhood policies, experience in research and analysis, and strong English drafting skills.
The role requires applicants to handle politically sensitive issues responsibly and demonstrate good interpersonal, networking and teamwork skills.
Candidates should be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications and coordinating contributions from different colleagues.
Important Exclusion
Applicants who have already benefited, or are currently benefiting, from any form of training or employment within an EU institution, body, agency or office are not eligible. The EEAS states that applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.
Additional Information
Monthly Grant and Expenses
The selected trainee will receive a monthly grant of €1,572, in accordance with the applicable EU institutional and Belgian employment regulations.
However, the trainee must personally cover travel, accommodation, insurance and living expenses.
Applicants must provide evidence of valid medical insurance covering the traineeship period, including protection against risks associated with pandemics and the costs of repatriation. Candidates are also responsible for costs arising from accidents or illness during the traineeship.
Application Deadline
The deadline is 21 October 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
Applicants should prepare their documents and submit them before the deadline. Only eligible candidates will be considered.
How to Apply
Step 1: Read the official vacancy announcement.
Visit the EEAS traineeship announcement and review the eligibility criteria and application instructions.
Step 2: Download the application form.
Complete the official Traineeship Application Form.
Applicants should also consult the official job description.
Step 3: Submit your application by email.
Send the completed application form in electronic PDF format, not as a scanned document, to:
Email: EUSR-DWB@eeas.europa.eu
Use the following email subject line:
FirstName LastName – Traineeship-EUSR-Dialogue
Step 4: Await the selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited for an interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email. The selected candidate must also provide the required documents before taking up the traineeship.
Selection and Additional Conditions
The traineeship can be offered only where the applicable legislation of Belgium and the candidate’s country of origin allows it.
Applicants should carefully check their eligibility before submitting their application, particularly the exclusion relating to previous training or employment within EU institutions and bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the EEAS Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue traineeship?
It is a six-month traineeship within the office of the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue in Brussels, supporting research, political analysis, reporting and public diplomacy.
2. How much does the traineeship pay?
The trainee receives a monthly grant of €1,572.
3. Who can apply?
Applicants must be nationals of an EU Member State and meet the academic and professional requirements specified in the vacancy announcement.
4. Can non-EU citizens apply?
No. The published vacancy requires applicants to be nationals of an EU Member State.
5. What qualifications are required?
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have completed or be undertaking Master’s studies.
6. Can someone who previously worked at an EU institution apply?
No. Applicants who have already benefited from, or are currently benefiting from, training or employment within an EU institution, body, agency or office are not eligible under this announcement.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 21 October 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
8. How should applications be submitted?
Applicants must email the completed application form in electronic PDF format to EUSR-DWB@eeas.europa.eu. Scanned application forms will not be considered.
9. Does the monthly grant cover all living expenses?
No. The trainee is responsible for travel, accommodation, insurance and living costs, as well as costs arising from illness or accidents during the traineeship.
10. Where can I find the application form?
The form is available through the official EEAS vacancy announcement.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This EEAS traineeship may interest eligible EU nationals seeking practical experience in diplomacy, European affairs and international relations. It offers direct exposure to the work of an EU Special Representative and provides a monthly grant of €1,572 for six months.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the nationality requirement, the exclusion relating to previous EU institutional employment or training, and the costs they must cover themselves. Given the approaching deadline, candidates should complete the application form and submit it in the required PDF format as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external career and traineeship announcements for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the EEAS and does not participate in recruitment or selection decisions. Applicants should confirm all eligibility requirements and submission instructions through the official vacancy announcement.
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