Networks Cooperation Unit

The Directorate-General for Parliamentary Democracy Partnerships (DG PART) is tasked with fostering cooperation with national parliaments as well as coordinating the efforts made by Parliament liaison offices and representations outside of the European Union with the objective to streamline actions aimed at promoting and upholding parliamentary democracy in Europe and beyond.

Within the Directorate, the Networks Cooperation Unit (NCU) was created in 2025 with the purpose of strengthening the practical tools and networks that support interparliamentary cooperation. The Unit ensures the smooth functioning of the European Centre for Parliamentary Research and Documentation (ECPRD), including the publication 'Spotlight on Parliaments in Europe', and works in cooperation with DG EPRS on ECPRD-related activities. It also supports seminars and workshops between officials of the European Parliament and national Parliaments, manages the EP’s participation in IPEX (the interparliamentary EU information exchange platform), implements the Presidency Parliament Support Programme and Capacity Building Projects, and organises bilateral visits of EU national Parliaments to the European Parliament.

The Unit’s work is centred on connecting the EU Parliament’s administrations, facilitating dialogue and exchange, and providing reliable and timely services to both Members and officials of the European Parliament and national Parliaments. We are a multicultural and multilingual team that values cooperation, precision, and initiative — and we welcome trainees as active contributors to our work.

As a trainee in the Networks Cooperation Unit, you will support the team in a variety of operational activities, including:

• Assisting in the daily coordination of the ECPRD network: handling incoming requests, supporting the drafting of comparative notes, and contributing to the 'Spotlight on Parliaments in Europe' publication;
• Supporting the organisation of seminars and workshops between European Parliament officials and officials of national Parliaments on various thematic and technical areas;
• Supporting IPEX activities: monitoring parliamentary documents and information published on the platform and preparing background materials or briefings for the unit or Members of the European Parliament;
• Assisting in the Presidency Parliament Support Programme and Capacity Building Projects: providing operational support for the parliamentary dimension of the EU Presidency, liaising with Presidency Parliaments, following up on projects for non-Presidency Parliaments, and preparing background materials and briefings;
• Helping with the organisation and follow-up of bilateral visits by national Parliaments to the European Parliament, including logistical support, drafting background notes, and preparing programmes for the visiting delegations.

• Interested in politics, international relations, parliaments and parliamentary cooperation (Diplomas in international relations, law, EU studies, political science or similar are an advantage, but not mandatory);
• Willing to learn all about the modalities, the complexity and the possibilities of the European Parliament´s cooperation with national Parliaments;
• Equipped with excellent drafting and analytical skills, very good interpersonal and relational skills and very good knowledge of English (knowledge of French or other European languages is an asset);
• Flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks and integrate into a friendly, hard-working, multicultural team, which appreciates your fresh views and good questions;
• Already possessing an understanding of national politics or experience in a national Parliament/Chamber, be it campaigning, a traineeship, or involvement in political/civic organisations, which would be an asset.

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.