Europe is YOURS

Curios to get to EU Policymaking? Apply for the Blue Book Administrative Traineeship!

Twice a year, the European Commission welcomes around 600 motivated young people into its departments, offering the chance to explore the world of work from the perspective that best fits your interests. From policy, communication, and economics to environment, human rights, and digital affairs, the Blue Book traineeship programme covers it all. Running since 1960, it is one of the longest-standing institutional traineeships globally. This is your opportunity to step inside the European institutions, kick-start your professional career, and experience more than just an internship. For many trainees, it is the entry point to a truly international and dynamic workplace, where opportunities often lead to a full professional contract within the institutions.

Why the European Commission?

The Commission is not just any workplace. With over 32,000 staff members, 57% of them women, it is one of the largest institutions in the world. Its multicultural environment brings together people from all 27 member states and beyond, creating an inspiring space for both personal and professional growth. Some departments, like the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA), are as large as a university, with around 3,000 staff. Others, like the Directorate-General for Translation, employ hundreds of linguists working across all 24 EU official languages.

Choose Your Directorate

With 59 Directorates-General (DGs) and Services to choose from, trainees can tailor their experience to their passions and skills. Whether you’re into climate action, trade, education, migration, or digital policy, there’s a DG for you. As an ADMIN trainee, you’ll take on real responsibilities from day one, such as attending and organising meetings, working groups, and public hearings, researching, drafting, and editing documents (reports, consultations, etc.) and supporting the management of EU-funded projects. During the application process, you can indicate up to three preferences. However, for DG Translation there is a separate application, and in that case you can only choose the linguistic department.

What to keep in mind for a strong application?

The Blue Book is one of the most competitive traineeships in Europe, attracting thousands of applications every year. In 2021 alone, more than 13,800 applications were submitted, with nearly 11,000 from EU countries and the rest from outside the Union. On average, around 2,000 pre-selected candidates make it into the Blue Book database, and from there, approximately 600 are admitted. For some nationalities, competition can be tougher, countries such as Italy, Spain, and France typically see the highest number of applicants.

But don’t let that discourage you! The entry requirements are accessible. You need at least a bachelor’s degree, solid knowledge of the EU’s working languages (English, French, or German), and above all, genuine passion. Since this opportunity is aimed at young graduates, it does not require extensive professional experience. What matters is the ability to highlight your academic, personal, or volunteer experiences and show how they make you the right candidate. A winning application is authentic and personal. Share the unique experiences that set you apart, explain why the traineeship is the right fit for you, and what you hope to gain both professionally and personally. And remember, everything you declare must be backed up with proof, such as diplomas or certificates.

Benefits and … SUPPORT along the way!

All this effort will be worth it! The traineeship includes a monthly allowance, making it possible to live comfortably in Brussels or Luxembourg while gaining valuable professional experience. Along the way, you will meet peers and professionals who share your interests, build an international network, and open doors to opportunities you may not have imagined.

If you want to give your application the best chance, the International Career and Mobility Office at SSML Città di Cuneo Adriano Macagno can guide you every step of the way. With tailored, hands-on support, you’ll learn how to highlight your strengths, craft a compelling motivation statement, review and refine your documents, and meet all the formal requirements. Do not hesitate to get in touch, learning how to communicate your potential effectively can make the difference and help you stand out!