External Policies Unit (XPOL)

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 

https://epthinktank.eu/about/

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 (XPOL) within the Members’ Research Service provides support to Members of Parliament in the area of foreign affairs, including security and defence, trade, economic security instruments, international agreements, human rights, development aid and others. The areas of expertise of the Unit cover the remits of the Committee on Foreign Affiars (AFET), on Security and Defence (SEDE), on International Trade (INTA), Develpment (DEVE) and the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI). The Unit replies confidentially to requests by Members of Parliaments and publishes briefings and other papers.

Working for us as a trainee, you certainly will not be stuck with admin chores:

• You will be asked to take a full part in the work of the unit, though obviously you will 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 for members.

But it's not just about assisting...

• You are also encouraged to carry out research of your own, which will be published on the European Parliament website and which will familiarise you with our in house editorial processes;
• You can also help organise physical and virtual conferences and policy hubs, and you'll have the chance to participate in parliamentary committee meetings, as well as events in the EP itself and in Brussels-based think tanks;
• All in all, it's a great opportunity to learn more about foreign policy issues, and the role played by the European Parliament;
• 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 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 previous knowledge and/or experience of international affairs:

• For example, in the areas of EU foreign policy, trade, security and defence, development aid, geopolitics, enlargement, international public law - and you enjoy reading 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 a traineeship 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.