Microsoft is accepting applications for its Government Affairs Internship Opportunities 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, offering an exciting 12-month professional experience for individuals interested in European public policy, sustainability, climate policy, technology, government affairs and the role of business in society.

Based within Microsoft’s European Government Affairs Team in Brussels, the internship provides an opportunity to work in one of Europe’s most important centers for political decision-making while gaining practical experience in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, research, communications, project management and event coordination.

The successful candidate will work as a Policy Coordinator, supporting Microsoft’s engagement with European stakeholders and contributing to work related particularly to European sustainability and climate policy, carbon removals and energy.

The internship is expected to begin in September or October 2026 and will run for 12 months. Microsoft states that the position offers a base pay of €2,200 per month, with certain roles potentially eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

For graduates and emerging professionals with backgrounds in law, political science, international relations, philosophy or related social sciences, this opportunity provides a pathway to gain experience at the intersection of technology, sustainability, European policymaking and corporate government affairs.

About the Microsoft Government Affairs Internship 2026

Microsoft’s Government Affairs Internship is based in Brussels, Belgium, and is structured as a 12-month internship.

Brussels is home to major European Union institutions and serves as one of Europe’s most significant centers for public policy, regulation and government affairs. This makes the internship particularly relevant for candidates seeking practical exposure to European institutions, legislative processes, stakeholder engagement and policy development.

The successful candidate will join Microsoft’s Brussels-based European Government Affairs Team and support the company’s engagement with European policymakers and other stakeholders.

The role reports into Microsoft’s Global Sustainability Office, led by Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Melanie Nakagawa, while being situated within the Brussels European Government Affairs Team.

Microsoft explains that its European Government Affairs organization works to build relationships and strengthen dialogue with European stakeholders in support of Europe’s digital and broader policy agenda.

This means the intern will not simply observe government affairs activities. The position includes practical responsibilities involving research, monitoring policy developments, preparing materials, stakeholder mapping, strategic planning, events and supporting engagements involving Microsoft representatives and European stakeholders.

Microsoft Government Affairs Internship 2026 at a Glance

Here are the major details prospective applicants should know:

• Organization: Microsoft
• Position: Government Affairs: Internship Opportunities
• Working role: Policy Coordinator
• Job number: 200049561
• Location: Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium
• Employment type: Internship
• Contract duration: 12 months
• Expected starting period: September or October 2026
• Profession: Legal
• Discipline: Legal Counsel
• Role type: Individual Contributor
• Work arrangement: Three days per week in the office
• Travel requirement: Less than 25%
• Base pay: €2,200 per month
• Date posted: August 21, 2026
• Application deadline: No fixed closing date has been announced. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Because applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis, interested candidates should consider applying as early as possible rather than waiting for a traditional closing date.

What Is the Microsoft European Government Affairs Team?

The European Government Affairs organization supports Microsoft’s engagement and dialogue with European stakeholders across policy areas relevant to the company’s operations and the broader European digital and policy landscape.

Government affairs work can involve understanding regulatory developments, communicating with policymakers and stakeholders, analyzing policy proposals, developing engagement strategies and helping organizations understand how political and regulatory developments may affect their activities.

For this internship specifically, there is a significant emphasis on European sustainability and climate policy.

The selected intern will support work concerning subjects including carbon removals and energy, while also contributing to stakeholder engagement and broader government affairs activities.

The combination of technology, climate policy, sustainability and European politics makes this opportunity particularly relevant to candidates interested in how major global companies participate in contemporary public-policy discussions.

What Will the Microsoft Government Affairs Intern Do?

The internship covers several areas of responsibility. Successful candidates should therefore be prepared for a multidisciplinary role combining analytical work, research, communication, organization and stakeholder engagement.

1. Political, Policy and Regulatory Analysis

A major component of the internship involves monitoring and understanding developments in European public policy.

The intern will help:

• Monitor emerging public-policy developments.
• Analyze relevant political, policy and regulatory issues.
• Prepare reports on developments affecting European sustainability and climate policy.
• Focus particularly on carbon removals and energy.
• Coordinate input from internal Microsoft stakeholders.
• Actively monitor external discussions concerning carbon removals.

This part of the position is particularly important because European policies can evolve quickly and involve multiple institutions, governments, industry representatives and civil society organizations.

The intern will therefore need the ability to identify relevant developments, understand their significance and communicate findings effectively.

2. Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Mapping

Another important responsibility is supporting Microsoft’s strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will participate in stakeholder mapping, helping identify and understand relevant current and incoming stakeholders within European Union institutions.

The intern will support the team in identifying important areas of policy cooperation and developing approaches for effective engagement.

Responsibilities may include:

• Mapping relevant stakeholders.
• Identifying policy cooperation opportunities.
• Supporting internal strategy development.
• Assisting with planning at national and European Union levels.
• Identifying potential engagement opportunities.
• Supporting coordination of high-level political engagements.
• Assisting with visits involving Microsoft executives.

This provides candidates with valuable exposure to how stakeholder relationships and government engagement strategies are developed within a major international technology company.

3. Project Management and Event Organization

The internship also involves hands-on project and event coordination.

The selected intern will support visits involving business representatives and help prepare the materials required for meetings and engagements in Brussels.

Event management responsibilities may involve collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, including:

• European institutions
• Think tanks
• Trade associations
• Business representatives
• Internal Microsoft stakeholders

This aspect of the internship requires strong organizational skills, careful planning and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities effectively.

4. Attend External Events and Meetings

The successful intern may also attend relevant external events and meetings.

Attendance is not simply observational. The intern will be expected to produce useful summaries and analysis following relevant discussions.

Candidates should therefore be capable of listening carefully, identifying important policy points and translating complex conversations into concise and useful information for colleagues.

5. Research, Writing and Communications Support

Research and writing represent another major component of the position.

The intern will support senior colleagues and relevant campaigns by conducting research, editing documents and developing materials.

These may include:

• Briefing documents
• Conference materials
• Presentation decks
• Talking points
• Research materials
• Supporting documents for meetings and engagements

Strong written communication is therefore essential.

Candidates should be comfortable researching complex policy topics and translating their findings into professional materials suitable for different audiences.

Qualifications for the Microsoft Government Affairs Internship

Microsoft is seeking candidates with a combination of relevant education, professional exposure, policy knowledge and interpersonal capabilities.

Educational Background

Applicants should have a degree in one of the following fields:

• Law
• Political science
• International relations
• Philosophy
• A related social science discipline

Candidates from closely related academic fields may therefore also be relevant where their education provides an appropriate foundation for policy, politics, governance or government affairs work.

Previous Work or Internship Experience

Microsoft is looking for candidates who have already gained some professional exposure through previous internships in fast-paced environments.

Experience involving either of the following will be particularly advantageous:

• Public affairs consultancies
• European Union institutions

This suggests that the opportunity is especially suited to candidates at an early stage of their professional careers who already have some practical exposure to policy, public affairs, government, regulation or a related field.

Knowledge of European Institutions and Policymaking

Applicants should possess knowledge of:

• European institutions
• European governance
• Legislative processes
• Relevant networks

A strong understanding of how European institutions function will be valuable because the position is located in Brussels and involves direct engagement with European policy developments and stakeholders.

Project Management and Organizational Skills

Candidates should demonstrate project management capabilities and excellent planning and organizational skills.

The successful candidate should also possess:

• Networking abilities
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Effective planning abilities
• Organizational skills

These capabilities will be particularly important when coordinating events, executive visits, stakeholder engagement and multiple simultaneous assignments.

Ability to Work in a Fast-Changing Environment

Government affairs and European policy can involve rapidly changing priorities.

Microsoft therefore expects candidates to be comfortable working in a changing environment.

Applicants should be able to:

1. Manage competing demands on their time.
2. Determine priorities effectively.
3. Meet deadlines.
4. Adapt when circumstances change.
5. Work constructively as part of a team.

Microsoft specifically highlights the importance of being an adaptable team player with a positive and friendly mindset.

Interest in Politics, Sustainability and Technology

Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in:

• European politics
• International politics
• Sustainability
• Technology

This is particularly relevant because the internship sits at the intersection of several major policy areas.

The intern may need to understand how European sustainability policies interact with emerging technologies, corporate strategy and broader international political developments.

Language Requirements

Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English.

Knowledge of other European languages is considered an advantage.

Because Brussels is an international and multilingual policy environment, additional European-language abilities may strengthen an application, although Microsoft identifies English fluency as the core language requirement.

Microsoft Government Affairs Internship Salary

One of the significant benefits of this internship is that it is paid.

Microsoft states that the base pay is €2,200 per month.

Certain roles may also qualify for benefits and other forms of compensation.

Over the full 12-month period, a base salary of €2,200 per month would represent €26,400 in base pay, assuming the stated monthly amount applies throughout the entire 12-month internship.

Applicants should remember that individual circumstances, taxes, deductions, benefits and other employment conditions may affect actual take-home compensation.

Internship Duration and Starting Date

The internship is expected to begin in September or October 2026.

It will run for 12 months, giving successful candidates an extended opportunity to develop professional experience rather than participating in only a short-term placement.

The duration could allow interns to observe the evolution of European policy discussions over a meaningful period and develop deeper familiarity with Microsoft’s government affairs activities.

Work Arrangement

The position is based in Brussels, Belgium, with Microsoft listing a work-site expectation of three days per week in the office.

The role may also involve travel, although Microsoft indicates that travel will be less than 25%.

Candidates should therefore take the location and working arrangements into account when determining whether the opportunity is suitable for them.

Why Consider the Microsoft Government Affairs Internship?

There are several reasons why this internship may be particularly valuable for aspiring policy and public-affairs professionals.

Gain Practical European Policy Experience

The internship provides direct exposure to policy developments in Brussels, where major European institutions and organizations are based.

Candidates interested in careers involving European affairs, government relations, public policy, corporate affairs or regulation may find this experience especially valuable.

Work on Sustainability and Climate Policy

Climate and sustainability policy continues to be a major area of government and corporate attention.

The internship specifically includes work related to carbon removals and energy, giving the successful candidate exposure to policy discussions concerning some of the most important sustainability issues facing governments and businesses.

Develop Research and Policy Analysis Skills

Interns will monitor political and regulatory developments, conduct research and produce summaries and analyses.

These responsibilities can strengthen transferable skills relevant to careers in:

• Public policy
• Government affairs
• International relations
• Corporate affairs
• Sustainability
• Consulting
• Research
• Law
• Regulatory affairs
• European Union institutions

Build Strategic Communication Skills

Preparing briefing documents, talking points, presentation materials and other supporting documents can provide practical experience in professional policy communication.

The ability to communicate complex issues clearly is important across government, business, consulting, law and international organizations.

Develop Stakeholder Engagement Experience

Stakeholder mapping and engagement planning are important parts of government affairs.

Through this internship, candidates can gain insight into how organizations identify relevant stakeholders and develop strategies for engaging constructively with policymakers and other influential organizations.

Microsoft’s Workplace Values

Microsoft states that its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

The company emphasizes a growth mindset, innovation, collaboration and the importance of helping others achieve their potential.

Microsoft also highlights several core workplace values, including:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Growth

According to Microsoft, these principles contribute to creating a workplace culture in which employees can thrive both at work and beyond.

Equal Opportunity at Microsoft

Microsoft states that it is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified candidates are considered for employment without discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable laws and regulations, including race, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation and other protected characteristics.

Microsoft also provides information about requesting reasonable accommodations during the application process for candidates who require disability-related or religious accommodations.

Application Deadline for the Microsoft Government Affairs Internship 2026

There is no fixed application deadline stated for this opportunity.

Microsoft states that the position will remain open for a minimum of five days, with applications subsequently being accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Because the position was posted on August 21, 2026, applicants should not interpret the lack of a fixed deadline as a reason to delay.

The internship is expected to begin in September or October 2026, meaning interested and eligible candidates should consider submitting their applications as soon as possible while the vacancy remains available.

How to Apply for the Microsoft Government Affairs Internship 2026

Applications should be submitted through the official Microsoft Careers platform.

Candidates should carefully review the complete vacancy information before applying and ensure their application demonstrates how their academic background, previous internship experience and interests align with the position.

Official application page:
https://apply.careers.microsoft.com/careers/apply/private?pid=1970393556972262&domain=microsoft.com

Microsoft Careers:
https://careers.microsoft.com/

Before submitting an application, candidates should consider highlighting relevant experience involving:

• European politics and institutions
• Public affairs
• Government affairs
• Policy research
• Sustainability or climate policy
• Technology policy
• Research and analysis
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Event coordination
• Professional writing and communications

Applicants should ensure that all information submitted is accurate and tailored to the responsibilities and qualifications outlined by Microsoft.

APPLY NOW

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating the connection between their previous experience and Microsoft’s requirements.

For example, candidates should consider showing evidence of situations where they have:

1. Researched or analyzed public-policy developments.
2. Worked in a fast-paced professional environment.
3. Managed projects or competing deadlines.
4. Produced professional written materials.
5. Worked collaboratively with different stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of European institutions or legislative processes.
7. Participated in public affairs, government, policy or advocacy activities.
8. Developed an understanding of sustainability, climate or technology issues.

Rather than simply stating an interest in European politics, applicants may benefit from demonstrating how that interest has translated into academic study, internships, research, projects or other relevant experience.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Government Affairs Internship Opportunities 2026 in Brussels offer an excellent professional development opportunity for emerging professionals seeking practical experience at the intersection of European policy, technology, sustainability, climate policy and corporate government affairs.

With a 12-month duration, €2,200 monthly base pay, exposure to European policy developments and opportunities to contribute to research, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, project management and high-level engagements, the internship offers substantial practical experience for candidates seeking to develop careers in government affairs and related fields.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for graduates in law, political science, international relations, philosophy and related social sciences who have previous internship experience and a strong understanding of European institutions and legislative processes.

Applicants should also bring excellent English communication skills, organizational ability, attention to detail, project-management capabilities and a genuine interest in European and international politics, sustainability and technology.

Most importantly, candidates should take note that there is no fixed closing date. Microsoft is accepting applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

With the internship expected to begin in September or October 2026, interested candidates are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit their applications promptly through the official Microsoft Careers platform.

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