Citizens' Enquiries Unit (AskEP)

The European Parliament's Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (DG EPRS) is the in-house research centre and think tank of the European Parliament (EP). We provide independent, on-demand research, analysis and information to Members and staff of the European Parliament and to parliamentary committees, on all EU policy areas, legislative files and issues. In addition, EPRS produces publications for a broader readership on a wide range of policy topics, including scrutiny and oversight of EU legislation in practice. We comprise four directorates: the Members' Research Service, the Directorate for Impact Assessment and Foresight, the Directorate for the Library and Knowledge Services, and the Directorate for Resources. In addition, we have three 'horizontal units' - the Strategy and Innovation Unit, the Publications Management and Editorial Unit, and the Linking the Levels Unit - which collaborate with all four directorates. More than 300 staff work in the DG's 27 units and services.  

Why choose a traineeship at DG EPRS?   

'Empowering through knowledge' is the guiding principle of EPRS. As an EPRS trainee, you will be exposed to the core of the research and analysis process in the European Parliament. Surrounded by colleagues working on publications covering a wide range of EU policies, you will gain detailed knowledge of the EP's workings while honing your skills in your specific topic of interest. If you choose a traineeship in one of EPRS's library units, you will help the parliamentary community find the resources they need for their work.  You will also be part of a DG that brings the work of the EU's institutions closer to its citizens. From directly answering questions from EU citizens, to working on projects such as the interactive ‘What Europe Does for Me' website (where citizens can find out what the EU is doing for their region, or for their personal or professional interests) you will help the public learn how the EU impacts their lives.  

More information about EPRS and a traineeship with us is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7mXXUZSq0g

https://epthinktank.eu/2021/05/31/apply-for-a-robert-schuman-traineeship-in-the-eprs/

The Citizens' Enquiries Unit (AskEP) replies to messages, emails and letters sent by citizens to the European Parliament and its President, providing information about the European Parliament and its positions, and about EU policies. Working in the EU's 24 official languages, we communicate with the public in a clear and accessible way. We are part of the European Parliamentary Research Service (DG EPRS).

You would assist with the unit's core tasks of replying to messages sent by the public and supporting Members of the European Parliament in their correspondence with citizens.   

Your specific tasks would include:      

• Drafting and updating model answers to citizens' enquiries on a variety of topics related to the European Parliament and EU policy (these model answers are made available to Members of the European Parliament to support them in their correspondence with their constituents);
•  Closely following positions adopted by Parliament in plenary;
•  Replying to simple enquiries from citizens; 
•  Drafting texts to be published on the EPRS blog.

• You are versatile and service-oriented;   
• You have an excellent knowledge of English;  
• You have very good research, drafting and communication skills;   
• The ability to work in other EU languages and knowledge of certain areas of EU policy are additional assets.