External 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 24 units and services.  

More information about EPRS is available here:

https://youtu.be/sMBLKXKhOhE?si=W7_bKixnb382sEq4

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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 External Policies Unit forms part of the Members’ Research Service in DG EPRS. It is a team of 20 colleagues, specialising in international affairs and foreign policy, areas which are covered by the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Security and Defense, and Development Committees and the Subcommittee on Human Rights, as well as the EP’s Interparliamentary Delegations. The EP has become one of the EU's leading foreign policy actors. But how do Members of the EP keep up to date with issues as diverse as Defense financing, Russia's war on Ukraine, the Middle East, EU development aid in sub-Saharan Africa, the rise of China or the technicalities of international trade? That's where we, in the Members' Research Service, come in, by providing Members with the objective information and expertise they need for their work. We do this by answering inquiries sent to us by the Members and publishing briefing documents that they can use as background materials. We also organise events which bring together Members of the Parliament and experts from think tanks and academia to discuss the most pressing foreign policy issues of our times and to take stock of the EU's work in all areas of foreign affairs.

Working for us as an intern, you certainly won't be stuck with admin chores - you'll be asked to take a full part in the work of the unit, though obviously you'll have all the mentoring and supervision you need.

So what will your daily tasks look like? One of your main jobs will be to assist with research, for example by looking up and summarising sources and helping answer requests by Members of Parliament. But it's not just about assisting - you are also encouraged to carry out research of your own, which will be published on the EP website and which will familiarise you with our in house editorial processes. You will be asked to attend committee meetings, EP and Brussels-based think tank events and conferences.

Working with us would give you a great opportunity to learn more about foreign policy issues, and the role played by the EP in them. Plus, you'll meet plenty of interesting people from all kinds of different backgrounds, and make some useful contacts, while you explore the environment of the EU institutions in Brussels.

• You have previous knowledge and/or experience of international affairs: for example, in the areas of EU foreign policy, trade, security and defence, geopolitics, enlargement, international law - and you enjoy researching and learning;
• You need to be able to work autonomously, with excellent research and English drafting skills (other language skills are also highly appreciated);
• You also need to be comfortable working outside your comfort zone - wherever possible, we allocate work according to expertise, but the huge variety of issues means that we often have to deal with new and complex subjects;
• Flexibility, and the willingness to work in a team are also important.

If this is a challenge that appeals to you, why not apply for an internship with us?

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.