Secretariat of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs

The Directorate-General for Citizens' Rights, Justice and Institutional Affairs (DG IUST) organises and facilitates the work of parliamentary committees in key areas such as culture, education, legal and constitutional affairs, gender equality, civil liberties, petitions and democracy protection. Through high-quality research, expert advice, and administrative support, DG IUST enables Members and committees to shape sound legislative and policy outcomes.

DG IUST is responsible for organising the work of the following parliamentary committees:

• Committee on Culture and Education (CULT);
• Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI);
• Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE);
• Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO);
• Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM);
• Committee on Petitions (PETI);
• Special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS).

The Secretariat of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) is responsible for proving support to the AFCO committee, to the European Parliament President’s Cabinet and to other parliamentary bodies. The AFCO secretariat is also responsible for shaping legislation and exercising democratic scrutiny over EU internal policies. 

Our AFCO secretariat is characterised by close and regular contacts with the Members of the parliamentary committee. Within this framework we organise meetings, facilitate negotiations and provide support to the Committee Chair, political groups coordinators, rapporteurs, working groups or parliamentary delegations. The AFCO secretariat ensures that our Members have the tools, resources, and support they need to perform their roles effectively and uphold the democratic work of the European Parliament.

Amongst the most important competences of the AFCO Committee figure the institutional aspects of the European integration process; the implementation and modification of the Treaties; the institutional consequences of enlargement negotiations; the withdrawal of a Member State from the EU; interinstitutional relations; the EU electoral procedure; political parties and political foundations at European level; serious and persistent breaches of EU law by a Member State; and the interpretation and application of the Rules of Procedure (including the changes in the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure).

AFCO contributes to the legislative process by adopting reports to be submitted to Plenary and by conducting negotiations with the Council on EU legislation. AFCO also adopts own-initiative reports, organises hearings with experts, scrutinises the other EU bodies and institutions and organises delegations to Member States and/or third countries.

In our secretariat, you will gain valuable insight into the procedural and political aspects of the European Parliament and in particular of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, as well as of interinstitutional relations. During your traineeship, you will be assigned tasks across the full spectra of the secretariat’s duties:

• Assisting the administrators in their daily work;
• Organising hearings and events;
• Attending Committee meetings - including taking notes when requested;
• Attending EP internal and external events and being able to report back;
• Attending staff and preparatory meetings with political groups;
• Conducting researches and taking notes.

You have:

• A university degree - level 6 of EQF or higher - obtained at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship in Law or Constitutional Law;
• Excellent knowledge of English, both written and verbal, as well as of another official language of the EU;
• Very good organisation skills and can meet strict deadlines;
• The capacity to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks;
• Teamworking capabilities;
• Effective communication skills.

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.