The EU Delegation to the Council of Europe has announced funded Funded EU Delegation Traineeships for young graduates in Strasbourg, France, for the 2026 cycle. Starting March 1, 2026, the five-month program offers placements in either the Political, Press and Information (PPI) section or the Legal section. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (Political Science, International Relations, or Law) and have less than one year of post-graduate professional experience. The role involves supporting diplomatic dossiers, attending Committee of Ministers meetings, and reporting on human rights jurisprudence. Selected participants receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses, with applications due via email by January 25, 2026.
EU Delegation Strasbourg Traineeships 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | France |
| Study Abroad | Study in France (Strasbourg) |
| Category | Graduate Traineeships |
| Eligible Countries | EU Member States & Global Eligibility (Subject to local legislation) |
| Reward & Key Criteria | Monthly Grant for Living Expenses; Master’s Degree & Language Proficiency (EN/FR) |
| Application Deadline | January 25, 2026 |
EU Delegation to the Council of Europe Traineeship Program 2026
The EU Delegation to the Council of Europe represents the interests and values of the European Union within the world’s leading human rights organization. Located in Strasbourg, the Delegation works to strengthen the partnership between the EU and the Council of Europe, ensuring alignment on democracy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms.
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This funded traineeship program is designed to provide young graduates with first-hand experience in a diplomatic mission. By immersing participants in the daily work of the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly, the program fosters a deep understanding of European multilateralism and diplomatic reporting.
Scholarship Details
The traineeship is open to young graduates who have completed their university studies within the last year. The program operates across two primary tracks: the Political, Press and Information (PPI) Section and the Legal Section. It is aimed at individuals curious about the work of diplomatic missions and how the EU projects its values internationally. Please note that the availability of these placements is subject to the final approval of the 2026 budget.
Benefits of the Funded EU Delegation Traineeships 2026
Tier 1: Funded Traineeship Grant (Strasbourg)
- Provision of a monthly grant designed to cover essential living expenses in Strasbourg for the duration of the 5-month term.
Tier 2: Political, Press and Information (PPI) Award
- Specialized placement focusing on PACE sessions, media monitoring, social media management, and the compilation of diplomatic newsletters.
Tier 3: Legal Section Specialization Award
- Specialized placement focusing on the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the EU’s accession to CoE Conventions.
Eligibility Requirements for the Funded EU Delegation Traineeships 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Master’s degree in Political Sciences or International Relations (for PPI) or International/EU/Human Rights Law (for Legal).
- Study Status: Must be a “young graduate” with less than one year of professional experience following the completion of their degree.
- Visa Status: Must hold a relevant entrance visa or temporary residence permit for France where applicable.
- Program Admission: High proficiency in English (C2) and French (C1) is mandatory, alongside strong analytical, drafting, and computer literacy skills.
How to Apply for the Funded EU Delegation Traineeships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Prepare a detailed standard Europass CV and a cover letter explaining your motivation for the traineeship.
- Automatic Evaluation: Download and complete the specific application form provided on the official EEAS website.
- Eligibility Assessment: Send all documents to delegation-strasbourg-trainees@eeas.europa.eu, specifying the chosen section in the subject line.
- Notification of Award: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview; successful applicants will receive an official agreement for a March 1st start.
Application Deadline: January 25, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the traineeship?
The traineeship lasts up to 5 months, with a tentative start date of March 1, 2026.
2. Is this a paid opportunity?
Yes, each selected trainee receives a monthly grant intended to cover living expenses in Strasbourg.
3. Do I need to speak French to apply?
Yes, a high level of proficiency in French (C1) is required alongside English (C2) due to the local diplomatic environment.
4. What counts as “professional experience”?
For this program, professional experience is defined as any work after graduation. Student jobs or volunteering during university do not count against the one-year limit.
5. Can I apply to more than one section?
You may only apply to one traineeship per delegation; however, the delegation may offer you a spot in another section based on your profile.
6. Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
No, all costs related to travel, visa, insurance, and accommodation must be borne by the trainee.
7. What is the main task of the Legal section?
The Legal section follows the jurisprudence of the ECtHR and works on the EU’s accession to Council of Europe Conventions.
8. What is the main task of the PPI section?
The PPI section handles press reviews, social media updates, and follows the Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) dossiers.
9. Which CV format is required?
Only the standard Europass CV format will be considered; any other formats will result in rejection.
10. How will I know if my application was successful?
Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email after the evaluation process.
