Interinstitutional Relations Unit

As a trainee in the Directorate-General for the Presidency (DG PRES), you will be part of a DG, which has a crucial role in a wide spectrum of the European Parliament's (EP) activities. Our DG is involved in the legislative process from the very beginning, when the legislative initiatives are submitted to the EP, and throughout the process, during which our lawyer linguists ensure the quality of the legislative texts, accompanying members and committees in their work. 

We are in charge of the organisation and documentation of the plenary sessions, and also deal with the relations with other EU institutions. Furthermore, our DG provides services to the members, regarding both administrative matters and their political activity, such as parliamentary questions to the other institutions.

We are also at the service of citizens and the public, dealing with public access to documents and relations with interest representatives, are responsible for the archives of the European Parliament, and are responsible for the official mail of the President and the Secretary General. The EP's protocol service, dealing with, among other things, the reception of visiting dignitaries and delegations and the preparation of visits outside Parliament by the President and the main EP bodies, is also part of our DG.

The Interinstitutional Relations Unit (IRU) is part of this DG and is looking for a highly motivated candidate, interested in the interactions between EU institutions and the inner workings of the European Parliament, for an exciting traineeship opportunity. 

The Unit is, quite predictably, responsible for the relations with the other EU institutions and bodies. This means that the Unit works to improve, for example, the information exchange and general coordination with all other EU institutions and bodies. 

An important part of this involves the support of the negotiations, and oversight of the implementation, of the interinstitutional agreements (IIAs). The Unit also plays a key role in horizontal coordination of contacts between the institutions, notably by organising Interinstitutional Coordination Group (ICG) meetings. The Unit has, on a continuous and ad hoc basis, contact with the other EU institutions and releases regular notes on their activities, namely on the Council, and European Council, the Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, the European External Action Service and the European Court of Auditors. We also regularly provide targeted information to the different services in the European Parliament on developments in the other institutions. As such, the Unit scrutinises for example the follow-up by the Commission of Parliament’s legislative and non-legislative initiatives. Internally, the Unit contributes to the preparation of the plenary sessions, notably as regards the monitoring of the participation of the Commission and the Council in plenary and the preparation of the briefings for the President.

You will assist in our core activities as well as in the organisation of the high-profile Interinstitutional Coordination Group (ICG) meetings. Our Unit organises these meetings on behalf of the Deputy Secretary-General who is in charge of interinstitutional relations with respect to legislative coordination and planning and, in that capacity, chairs the ICG. You may also provide support in the revision process of the Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The suitable candidate will assist the Unit, for example, with:

• Generally supporting the Unit’s activities; acquiring and providing expertise on interinstitutional issues;
• Participate in the organisation of the Interinstitutional Coordination Group (ICG) meetings;
• Drafting summaries and analyses of events, meetings and hearings;
• Covering meetings and events of the other EU institutions;
• Assisting in the drafting of the notes the Unit releases;
• Attending and drafting reports of the pre-session Plenary press briefing;
• Supporting the Unit’s horizontal tasks (participation in the organisation of meetings, drafting minutes of different meetings, etc.);
• Participating in the preparation of the briefing for the Presidency;
• Doing ad hoc research on a variety of topics for possible briefings.

Our multinational team is looking for a highly motivated trainee with a sense of responsibility and eagerness. A pro-active attitude, team spirit and good interpersonal skills are essential. The suitable candidate should have sound knowledge of the workings of the EU institutions and the European Parliament in particular. The work involves writing reports and summaries, meaning good analytical and writing skills are essential.

Ideally, the candidate is particularly interested in the relations and interactions between EU institutions. If you fit the description and are excited about the prospect of joining our team and experiencing the EU institutions from a unique perspective, do not hesitate to apply!

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.