Institutional 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.

Our Directorate is responsible for the relations between the European Parliament and the national Parliaments of EU Member States. Within the Directorate, the Institutional Cooperation Unit has horizontal and networking tasks, including at the highest political level, in support of the EP President. We monitor developments in the Parliaments of the Member States and discussions on the role of Parliaments in the EU. All with the objective of promoting a European point of view in interparliamentary debates.

In the first semester of 2026, interparliamentary cooperation will focus on the priorities and initiatives of the European Parliament and European Commission. Key areas of interest will likely include: geopolitical challenges and the EU response, including in foreign relations, trade and strengthening the European defence industry; the EU's future finances (negotiations on the 2028-2034 budget) and advancing the EU’s economic security and competitiveness by addressing strategic dependencies and investment gaps. Debates on EU enlargement and institutional reform will continue to gain prominence, alongside discussions on the digital transformation and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Climate and energy policy will remain high on the agenda, particularly with efforts to set the 2040 climate target and accelerate the green transition. Also at the staff level, particular attention will be given to enhancing cooperation with national Parliaments in areas such as parliamentary diplomacy, legislative dialogue, and the exchange of best practices in policymaking.

In concrete terms:

• We serve the EP President and Secretary-General in their contacts and meetings with national Parliaments and serve and assist the European Parliament's Delegation to the COSAC (Meeting of the EU Affairs Committees of the EU Member States and the European Parliament);
• We give advice on interparliamentary relations to the Vice-Presidents responsible for relations with national Parliaments, to the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), to the Cabinets of the President and the Secretary-General and to the colleagues who work in the political groups;
• We support the AFCO Committee and the external relations Committees, notably on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Defence (SEDE), in their relations with national Parliaments;
• We provide expertise and information on national Parliaments to the different Directorates-General and services in the European Parliament;
• We provide services to the representatives of the EU national Parliaments, who are hosted in Brussels by the European Parliament;
• We are a compact, multicultural and multilingual team of EP officials who like trainees and treat them well!

• Monitoring developments and drafting documents and briefing notes on the different aspects of interparliamentary cooperation between the European Parliament and national Parliaments;
• Following the parliamentary dimension of the Cypriot (and incoming Irish) Presidency of the Council of the EU;
• Monitoring meetings of the AFCO, AFET, SEDE Committees, and especially reports and activities which may have consequences for national Parliaments or the EP’s relations with them;
• Assisting the AFCO, AFET, SEDE Committees in the organisation and participation in interparliamentary committee meetings and conferences;
• Preparing comparative studies and summaries from information stemming from national Parliaments;
• Organising and following up on various bilateral meetings between Members and officials of the European Parliament and national Parliaments.

• 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.

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.