The EU Delegation to Serbia is offering three six-month funded traineeships in its Political, Press and Information Section, starting in November 2026. Eligible graduates with political science or social studies backgrounds can apply by October 16, 2026.
Background & Job Description
The European Union Delegation to Serbia is inviting applications from young graduates for three funded traineeship positions within its Political, Press and Information (PPI) Section.
The six-month programme is intended for graduates interested in international relations, diplomacy, European Union affairs, political analysis and public communication. Successful candidates will gain practical experience supporting the work of an EU diplomatic mission and learning how the EU represents its interests and values in Serbia.
The traineeships are scheduled to begin in November 2026, with the exact starting date to be confirmed.
The PPI Section monitors political relations between the EU and Serbia, including developments related to EU accession negotiations, the rule of law, fundamental rights, domestic affairs and foreign policy. Its Press and Information Unit also supports communication, media monitoring, public diplomacy, outreach activities and events.
The application deadline is October 16, 2026.
Traineeship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | European Union Delegation to Serbia |
| Opportunity | Funded traineeships for young graduates |
| Department | Political, Press and Information Section |
| Number of positions | 3 |
| Location | Belgrade, Serbia |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Expected start | November 2026 |
| Financial support | Monthly grant to cover living expenses |
| Grant amount | Not specified in the supplied announcement |
| Eligible applicants | Young graduates meeting the eligibility requirements |
| Application deadline | October 16, 2026 |
| Application method | Email application |
| Official contact | DELEGATION-SERBIA-TRAINEES@eeas.europa.eu |
Tasks
Selected trainees will support political analysis, communication, media monitoring, public diplomacy and administrative coordination.
Political Research and Analysis
Responsibilities may include:
- Collecting information and contributing to reports, briefings, analyses and translations.
- Researching political, economic and foreign policy developments in Serbia.
- Preparing background materials on fundamental rights, the rule of law and EU accession negotiations.
- Monitoring Serbia’s progress towards EU membership, particularly in relation to Chapters 23 and 24.
- Attending meetings, conferences and events, taking notes and preparing summaries.
- Preparing tables, presentations and other briefing materials.
Press and Information Activities
Trainees supporting the Press and Information Unit may assist with:
- Preparing communication materials, speeches, press documents and social media content.
- Monitoring Serbian print and digital media and compiling regular press summaries.
- Analysing media narratives and reporting related to EU priorities and Serbia–EU relations.
- Supporting public diplomacy campaigns, outreach initiatives and events.
- Helping organise activities at Europe Houses in Serbia.
- Engaging with journalists, civil society organisations, institutional partners and other stakeholders.
Administrative and Coordination Support
Trainees may also update contact lists, prepare meeting minutes, distribute summaries and support coordination across the section.
The assignments provide exposure to diplomatic work, policy research, communications and the daily operations of an international organisation.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold a university degree in political science or social studies, including communication.
Candidates should also demonstrate sound academic knowledge of EU institutions, decision-making procedures, the EU’s responsibilities and the enlargement and accession process.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Fluency in written and spoken Serbian.
These language requirements are important because the traineeships involve research, communication, media monitoring and the preparation of documents.
Knowledge and Skills
Suitable candidates should demonstrate:
- A good understanding of political and economic developments in Serbia and the Western Balkans.
- Knowledge of foreign policy and EU accession processes.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- The ability to summarise complex information clearly and accurately.
- Excellent drafting and editing skills.
- Social media content creation skills.
- Practical experience with Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- Flexibility, initiative and the ability to work across teams.
- The ability to meet tight deadlines in an international environment.
Teamwork and the ability to manage competing priorities are also important.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have less than one year of professional experience after graduation by the date the traineeship agreement is signed.
The announcement states that internships, student jobs and volunteering undertaken during university or after graduation are not counted as professional experience for this requirement.
Applicants should carefully review the official paid-traineeship eligibility rules before applying.
Additional Information
Monthly Grant and Expenses
Selected trainees will receive a monthly grant to help cover living expenses.
However, the supplied announcement does not specify the grant amount. Applicants should also note that travel, visa, insurance and accommodation costs must be covered by the trainee.
The traineeship is therefore funded through a monthly living-expense grant, but it should not be assumed to cover all costs associated with living and working in Serbia.
Important Visa and Insurance Conditions
The announcement states that citizens of EU Member States must provide evidence of coverage against pandemic-related risks and repatriation costs. They must also hold any required entry visa or temporary residence permit, where applicable, in accordance with local legislation and the traineeship agreement.
The traineeship must comply with the laws of Serbia and the applicant’s country of origin.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to:
DELEGATION-SERBIA-TRAINEES@eeas.europa.eu
Applicants must send all three of the following documents:
- Detailed Europass CV: Applications must use the standard Europass CV format. CVs submitted in other formats will not be considered. Prepare yours through Europass.
- Cover letter: Explain why you want to participate in an EU traineeship and how the opportunity fits your background and interests.
- Application form: Complete the official Application Form for Funded Traineeships 2026 referenced in the vacancy announcement.
Email subject: Funded Traineeship – PPI
Applicants may apply for only one traineeship per EU Delegation.
Application Deadline
The deadline is October 16, 2026. Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.
Following the assessment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. Selected candidates who cannot provide the required documentation may have their applications rejected.
Before applying, review the dedicated information about paid traineeships and the general eligibility criteria under Article 8 of Decision ADMIN(2017)28.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the EU Delegation to Serbia traineeship?
It is a six-month funded traineeship offering practical exposure to political analysis, diplomacy, communication and public information activities within the EU Delegation to Serbia.
2. How many positions are available?
The announcement lists three positions in the Political, Press and Information Section.
3. When does the traineeship begin?
The tentative starting date is November 2026.
4. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by October 16, 2026.
5. How much does the traineeship pay?
Selected trainees receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses. The specific amount is not provided in the supplied announcement.
6. Are accommodation and travel covered?
No. The announcement specifies that travel, visa, insurance and accommodation costs must be borne by the trainee.
7. Which qualifications are required?
Applicants need a university degree in political science or social studies, including communication, as well as strong knowledge of EU affairs and developments in Serbia and the Western Balkans.
8. Are Serbian language skills required?
Yes. Applicants must have fluency in written and spoken Serbian and an excellent command of English.
9. Can applicants with previous work experience apply?
Applicants must have less than one year of professional experience after graduation by the date the traineeship agreement is signed. The announcement excludes certain internships, student jobs and volunteering from this calculation.
10. How should applications be submitted?
Send a Europass CV, cover letter and completed application form to DELEGATION-SERBIA-TRAINEES@eeas.europa.eu, using the subject line Funded Traineeship – PPI.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The EU Delegation to Serbia traineeship may suit recent graduates interested in diplomacy, political affairs, EU enlargement, media relations and international communication.
The opportunity offers six months of practical experience in a diplomatic environment, with a monthly grant to help cover living expenses. However, the Serbian fluency requirement, relevant academic background and strict limit on post-graduation professional experience make eligibility particularly important.
Interested applicants should prepare their Europass CV and cover letter, obtain the official application form and submit all required documents before October 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external career and traineeship announcements for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the European Union Delegation to Serbia and does not participate in recruitment decisions. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, grant arrangements and application instructions through the official vacancy announcement before applying.
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