European Union Exchange Program 2026 || Fully Funded

The EEAS Traineeship in Delegations of the European Union is a professional traineeship designed for students and young graduates to gain hands-on experience in EU diplomacy and international affairs. This opportunity allows participants to discover how EU Delegations around the world represent EU interests, contribute to foreign policy, and engage with local partners.

What Are These Traineeships?

EEAS traineeships in EU Delegations are structured practical training opportunities in diplomatic missions of the European Union worldwide. They are intended to give trainees a direct experience of daily diplomatic work, learn about EU external relations, and apply academic knowledge in a multicultural professional environment.

Objectives of the Program

The traineeships aim to:

• Provide insight into the representation of EU interests and values outside the EU
• Offer exposure to the multicultural and multilingual work environment of an EU Delegation
• Allow trainees to apply academic knowledge to real-world EU external action
• Support the development of professionals with experience in EU foreign policy and diplomacy

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

Eligibility depends on the type of traineeship, but generally:

• Funded traineeships for young graduates require applicants to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and less than one year of full-time professional experience after graduation.
• Unfunded compulsory traineeships are usually open to students currently enrolled in a university or higher-education course in the host country.
• Nationals from EU Member States, EU candidate countries, and the host country may be eligible, depending on the traineeship pillar.

Language skills are important: trainees should be able to work in the working language of the Delegation, and knowledge of the host country’s language is an asset.

Duration & Structure

Traineeships typically involve a period of a few months (often 3 to 6 months), depending on the specific vacancy and Delegation. Trainees are integrated into the daily workflow of the Delegation and work under the supervision of experienced EU staff.

What You Can Do as a Trainee

Work assignments vary by Delegation and section, but may include:

• Supporting policy research and analysis
• Drafting reports and briefs related to local political, economic, or social issues
• Assisting with event organisation and outreach activities
• Observing coordination meetings with local authorities or other international partners

Some traineeships are offered in specialised sections such as Health, Trade, Politics, Press & Information, and Communication.

Program Pillars

EEAS traineeships are offered under four main categories:

1. Funded traineeships for young graduates
2. Unfunded compulsory traineeships for students studying in the host country
3. Traineeships for national administration students
4. Traineeships for trainee civil servants from national administrations as part of their compulsory training

Benefits of Participating

• Gain practical diplomatic and international relations experience
• Work closely with EU officials and experts in foreign policy
• Build professional skills in multicultural and international settings
• Enhance your CV for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy, and global affairs

Application Tips

While application details vary per Delegation vacancy, general advice includes:

• Prepare a strong CV and cover letter tailored to EU external affairs
• Highlight relevant academic knowledge and internships
• Demonstrate motivation for diplomacy and understanding of EU values
• Ensure compliance with eligibility conditions (degree, experience, languages)

Open traineeship positions are usually published by Delegations or the EEAS, and applications are managed at the Delegation level.

The EEAS Traineeship in Delegations of the European Union is a valuable opportunity for young professionals and students to gain real-world experience in diplomacy, EU foreign policy, and international relations. It offers exposure to professional work in global contexts and strengthens skills for future careers in international affairs.