Policy Foresight 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

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.   

Why choose a traineeship at the Policy Foresight Unit ?

The Policy Foresight Unit supports the European Parliament by helping foster a culture of 'anticipatory governance' and promoting thinking on and understanding of medium- and long term trends, challenges and choices. It ensures that the European Parliament is well informed and prepared for the challenges of the coming decades by generating and coordinating analytical work on the risks, vulnerabilities, capabilities, opportunities and gaps of/for the EU with a view to promoting a higher degree of resilience and strategic autonomy. It promotes active participation in ESPAS - the process of EU inter-institutional, administrative-level cooperation on strategic foresight and long-term trends - and reaches out to think tanks, academic bodies and other external partners in these fields.

This traineeship is an opportunity to learn about foresight methodologies to help policymakers anticipate potential futures and to get to know the world of strategic foresight more generally:

• You will assist the Unit in its work of analysing global trends of importance for the European Union;
• This will involve drafting publications on one or more designated topics;
• You might also be involved in the Unit's work in the framework of the inter-institutional European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS);
• You will attend events organised by EP bodies or other organisations on relevant topics for the unit's work, take notes, and share conclusions with colleagues;
• You are encouraged to propose your own research ideas and co-publish papers on a mutually agreed subject in addition to assisting with existing projects.

• You have obtained/will obtain a university degree (level 6 of EQF or higher) at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship;
• You have a keen interest in global challenges and the future of Europe;
• You are familiar with EU policies;
• You have strong analytical skills and are able to summarise complex material in clear language;
• You can take on independent research tasks;
• You want to contribute to a strategic foresight-based approach to future challenges at the European level;
• You have some communication, event management and teleconferencing experience.

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.