Digital Policies Unit

The European Parliament's Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (DG EPRS) provides comprehensive research and analytical support to the Members of the European Parliament, its parliamentary committees and the European Parliament as a whole. The EPRS philosophy is to provide independent, objective and authoritative information. More than 300 staff work in the DG's 25 units and services.  

More information about EPRS is available here:

• https://youtu.be/sMBLKXKhOhE?si=W7_bKixnb382sEq4
• https://epthinktank.eu/about/

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.    

The Digital Policies Unit is part of the Members' Research Service in DG EPRS. It covers a large range of digital policies including major EU legislative initiatives in the areas of artificial intelligence, online platforms, data, e-government, cybersecurity/cyber resilience, connectivity and other forthcoming initiatives in the digital area such as on virtual worlds. The unit also deals with the EU approach to information manipulation online.

We respond directly to individual requests for support from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their staff, and we pro-actively write briefings and research notes on EU digital policies, legislative files and emerging digital issues. Due to the transversal nature of digital policies, the Digital Policies Unit closely cooperates with other sectoral units of the Members' Research Service.  A traineeship at the Members' Research Service will allow you to experience the dynamic and interactive process of EU law-making. You will also deepen your specialised knowledge of EU policies, and learn more about how MEPs carry out their functions. You will become part of the process of creating EU legislation and your contribution will make a difference.        

• Assist with the information and research activities of the unit in one or more of its policy areas;
• Support the team members in their specialised work, e.g. by responding to research requests from MEPs and helping to draft publications including briefing notes, infographics and in depth analysis;
• Attend relevant committee meetings, workshops and conferences both in the EP and at external organisations and think tanks, and assist where required with meetings and event organisation and planning.      

We are looking for a candidate with strong research and drafting skills, preferably with an IT-related background.    

• You should be able to process complex information and present it in a structured, accurate and user-friendly manner;
• You possess a general understanding of the policy areas covered by the unit, and relevant academic, research or work experience in these areas will be a plus;
• We deal with a wide variety of requests from Members of Parliament - each one is different, so it's important to be 'customer focused' and committed to meeting the specific needs in each individual case;
• Flexibility, reliability and the capacity for teamwork are also very important.