European Ombudsman Traineeships 2026: Paid EU Governance Opportunity for Graduates

If you’re an ambitious university graduate or a student in your final year seeking world-class professional experience in European governance, transparency, public administration, or EU affairs – this is one of the most sought-after opportunities within EU institutions for career-minded individuals wanting to work at the heart of EU democratic accountability and public service.

Hosting Institution

European Ombudsman

Overview: What Is the European Ombudsman Traineeship?

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬
● Digital communication
● Case-handling
● Traineeship for persons with disabilities

𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
● Candidates should be nationals of a Member State of the European Union
● No previous paid traineeship or work contract in a European institution
● Bachelors degree as minimum, solid training on EU law

𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
Deadline: 13 and 31 March
Location: Brussels or Strasbourg
Compensation: approx. €1400/m

The European Ombudsman Traineeship Programme is a paid, full-time, one-year internship designed for recent university graduates who want hands-on experience inside a core European Union institution. The programme offers a unique opportunity to work directly on issues related to EU administration, transparency, accountability, citizens’ rights, and good governance.

Trainees are placed in either Brussels or Strasbourg, depending on the needs of the Office, and work under the direct supervision of senior EU officials, usually a Head of Unit or equivalent. The traineeship combines professional responsibility, structured supervision, mentoring, and exposure to the daily functioning of EU institutions.

This programme is particularly attractive for candidates interested in:

• EU law and policy

• Public administration

• Human rights and accountability

• European governance and institutional relations

• Transparency and citizens’ complaints mechanisms

Aim of the Traineeship

The traineeship is intended to:

• Provide practical, real-world experience within an EU institution

• Allow trainees to build on academic knowledge through professional tasks

• Develop skills in policy analysis, administration, communication, and institutional work

• Promote understanding of how EU institutions interact with citizens

Each trainee works under:

• A line manager who defines objectives

• A mentor who supports daily integration and work

• A structured evaluation system (mid-term and final assessment)

Duration of the Traineeship

• Standard duration: 12 months (1 year)

• Extension: Not possible

• Exceptional cases: Shorter traineeships may be offered in the interest of the service

Start date is typically 1 September each year.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

1. Nationality

Applicants must be:

• Nationals of an EU Member State, OR

• Nationals of an EU accession or candidate country

Eligible regions:

• Europe (EU + EU candidate/accession countries)

2. Educational Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold a minimum 3-year university degree (Bachelor’s level or equivalent)

• Degree must be in a discipline specified in the relevant traineeship call

Fields commonly accepted include (depending on the call):

• Law

• Political Science

• European Studies

• International Relations

• Public Administration

• Social Sciences

• Communication and related disciplines

3. Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Thorough knowledge of one EU official language, and

• Very good knowledge of another EU official language

English is mandatory, as it is the main working language of the European Ombudsman.

4. Prior EU Experience Restrictions

Applicants must NOT have:

• Completed more than 8 consecutive weeks (or 2 months) of paid traineeship in any EU institution

• Held any paid employment (temporary, contract, auxiliary, interim agent, SNE, MEP assistant, etc.) in an EU institution

This rule ensures fair access for first-time EU trainees.

Special Programme: Traineeships for Persons with Disabilities

The European Ombudsman runs a dedicated positive-action traineeship programme for candidates with disabilities.

Key Features

• Separate annual call (usually February)

• Candidates may apply simultaneously to general traineeships if eligible

• Open to:

  • University graduates, or

  • Students in at least their third year of higher education

Additional Support

• Reasonable accommodation at the workplace

• Additional financial support of up to 50% of the monthly grant to cover disability-related costs

• Disability-related income does not reduce the traineeship grant

Applicants must provide official proof of disability in an EU official language.

Selection Procedure

Application Timeline

• Call published: Normally February

• Start date: 1 September

• Final results communicated: By 30th June

Required Application Documents

All applications must be submitted via the online application system and include:

1. Completed online application form

2. CV in English

3. Copies of diplomas/degrees (no certification or translation required)

4. One-page motivation letter in English (required for some profiles)

● Incomplete applications are automatically rejected.

Selection Stages

1. Eligibility and profile screening

2. Written test (if applicable)

3. Interview (video call or phone)

Selection is merit-based, with attention to:

• Qualifications

• Skills

• Motivation

When candidates are equally qualified, the Office promotes:

• Geographical balance

• Gender equality

• Inclusion of persons with disabilities

Financial Benefits and Allowances

Monthly Grant

• Equivalent to 25% of the basic salary of an AD6 Step 1 EU official

• Adjusted by:

  • Country weighting (Brussels or Strasbourg)

  • Household allowance (if applicable)

 The grant may be:

• Reduced if the trainee receives other financial support

• Adjusted due to salary indexation

Additional Financial Support

• Case-by-case lump-sum assistance may be granted

• Extra disability-related costs covered up to 50% of the monthly grant

Travel Cost Reimbursement

The Ombudsman reimburses travel costs at the beginning and end of the traineeship if not covered elsewhere.

Covered Travel Modes

• Second-class train

• Bus or car-sharing

• Economy-class flight (for journeys over 500 km or sea crossings)

• Private car (kilometric allowance)

– Tickets are usually booked by the Office
– Up to 50 kg of luggage may be reimbursed (with approval)

Insurance Coverage

• Full sickness and accident insurance provided

• Optional insurance for:

  • Spouse

  • Children (at the trainee’s expense)

Leave and Working Conditions

• 2 working days of leave per month

• No cash compensation for unused leave

• Sick leave:

  • Medical certificate required after 3 days

• Hybrid work rules apply

• Strict confidentiality and ethics obligations

Supervision, Mentoring, and Evaluation

• Initial objective-setting meeting

• Mid-term performance review (6 months)

• Final evaluation meeting

• Dedicated mentor throughout the traineeship

• Exit interview with Human Resources

Termination or Suspension

• Either party may terminate the traineeship

• One-month notice required for voluntary resignation

• Grant payments stop during suspension

• Due process applies in case of early termination

Legal Status of Trainees

• Trainees are not EU officials or staff members

• No automatic employment rights after completion

Data Protection

All personal data is processed under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, ensuring high standards of privacy and data protection.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the official European Ombudsman website once the call is published (normally in February).

Important: Applicants may reapply in future years if unsuccessful.

Apply here

Key Deadlines (Typical Cycle)

• Call opens: February

• Application deadline: 13 and 31 March

• Interviews/tests: Spring

• Final decisions: By 30 June

• Traineeship starts: 1 September

Why This Traineeship Is Highly Valuable

• Paid, long-term EU institutional experience

• Direct exposure to EU governance and citizens’ rights

• Strong CV value for EU careers, NGOs, public policy, and law

• Inclusive programme with strong disability support

• Work in Brussels or Strasbourg, the heart of Europe

The European Ombudsman Traineeship is more than just an internship — it’s a gateway to public service, advancing democratic accountability and citizen rights within the EU. You’ll gain practical EU-level work experience, expand your professional network, and earn credentials that can propel careers in governance, policy, law, human rights, and international relations.

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