Europe Unit: Enlargement, Western Europe and Northern Cooperation - Post B: EU-UK relations

The Directorate-General for External Policies (DG EXPO) is made up of four directorates: Committees, Regions (covering interparliamentary delegations), Resources and Democracy Support. Staff of DG EXPO form a European team of advisers supporting the European Parliament's President and political bodies in their work on the EU's external policies. Colleagues in DG EXPO provide advice on matters of substance and procedure, liaise with other EU institutions and manage resources. The focus is on legislation, parliamentary oversight of the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), and support for parliamentary democracy. Most of the work is done in Brussels.

About the NEWE Unit

The traineeship will take place in the Europe Unit: Enlargement, Western Europe and Northern Cooperation (NEWE).

The NEWE unit covers a broad range of European policy areas and countries. In particular, we:

• Monitor developments in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the EU's relations with the United Kingdom, Switzerland and EFTA countries;
• Closely follow the EU enlargement process, including political developments and EU relations with the Western Balkans and Türkiye;
• Follow and support the European Parliament's work on Arctic, Nordic and Baltic cooperation and policies;
• Provide substantive and procedural support to the Chairs and Members of the European Parliament's interparliamentary delegations;
• Organise delegation meetings and interparliamentary meetings, both in the European Parliament and with parliamentary counterparts in the countries covered by the unit;
• Prepare briefings, background material and other expertise to support MEP's parliamentary activities;
• Act as desk officers for countries and policy areas within the unit's remit; and
• Maintain regular working relations with partner parliaments, EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders.

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Want to find out more about what being a trainee in DG EXPO is like? Check out our DG EXPO podcast for trainees, by trainees: CLICK HERE.

As a trainee in the NEWE Unit, you will contribute to the day-to-day work of the unit and support the interparliamentary delegations within its remit, with a particular focus on the Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (D-UK) and EU-UK relations.

Your tasks may include:

• Supporting the preparation and organisation of EP delegation meetings, i.e. meetings of the D-UK, including practical and administrative arrangements;
• Assisting with the organisation of outgoing delegation visits and interparliamentary meetings, including preparatory and follow-up work;
• Attending relevant meetings and events, both within and outside the European Parliament, and preparing concise reports or summaries;
• Monitoring political and policy developments affecting EU bilateral relations with the UK;
• Conducting research and gathering up-to-date information, political developments and data for briefings, background notes and other preparatory material;
• Drafting or contributing to briefings, minutes, notes, draft letters, Chair's notes and other written material in English;
• Providing ad hoc support to the unit as new political developments, meetings or parliamentary activities arise.

We are looking for a trainee with a strong interest in EU-UK relations, as this will be a central focus of the traineeship, alongside a broader interest in European affairs, external relations and parliamentary diplomacy. Candidates should have:

• A proactive, curious and independent approach to work;
• An excellent command of English, both written and spoken, with strong drafting skills;
• Good knowledge of the EU-UK relationship and the agreements underlying this relationship;
• General understanding of the structure, role and powers of the European Parliament;
• The ability to plan ahead, prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage, structure and synthesise information;
• A good command of another EU language would be considered an asset;
• Obtained/will obtain a university degree (level 6 of EQF or higher) at least three months before the starting date of the traineeship.

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.