The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) offers traineeship and study-visit opportunities in Brussels, Belgium, allowing graduates, students and eligible public-sector professionals to gain practical experience inside a European Union institution.
The flagship Cicero Traineeship runs for five months, is full-time at 40 hours per week and provides a grant of approximately €1,538 per month. Trainees may also receive travel and mobility support, while accident insurance is included.
Alongside the paid Cicero programme, the Committee of the Regions offers study visits and a separate study-visit scheme for government officials, making the programme relevant to several different applicant profiles.
European Committee of the Regions Traineeships at a Glance
Host: European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Main Programme: Cicero Traineeships
Duration: 5 months
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Grant: Approximately €1,538 per month
Additional Support: Travel and mobility allowance
Accident Insurance: Included
Other Opportunities: Study visits and study visits for government officials
Spring Session: 16 February–15 July
Autumn Session: 16 September–15 February
The CoR currently lists three main opportunities: Cicero traineeships, general study visits and study visits specifically designed for government officials.
What Is the European Committee of the Regions Traineeship?
The European Committee of the Regions provides trainees with an opportunity to experience the work of a multilingual and multinational EU institution.
Participants can work across different areas of EU policy while gaining insight into how European policies affect cities and regions.
Cicero trainees also participate in the YFactor scheme, which allows trainees to undertake projects addressing issues relevant to European regions and cities.
Projects can take different forms, including conferences, podcasts and eBooks, giving participants an opportunity to contribute creatively while developing professional experience.
How Much Are CoR Trainees Paid?
Cicero trainees receive a grant of approximately:
€1,538 per month
The programme lasts five months, meaning the monthly grants could amount to approximately €7,690 over the full five-month period, based on the currently stated approximate monthly amount.
The programme also provides a travel and mobility allowance, and accident insurance is included. Health insurance coverage is optional.
Applicants should remember that the published monthly grant is approximate and should check the official programme information for the amount applicable to their particular traineeship session.
When Do the Traineeships Take Place?
The Cicero Traineeship operates through two sessions each year.
Spring Session
The spring traineeship runs from:
16 February to 15 July
Applications are accepted from 1 July to 1 October at 12:00 noon Brussels time during the previous year.
Pre-selection and interviews normally take place in November, followed by selection in December.
Autumn Session
The autumn traineeship runs from:
16 September to 15 February
Applications are accepted between 6 January and 31 March at 12:00 noon Brussels time of the same year.
Pre-selection and interviews normally take place in May, with selection in June.
The CoR advises applicants not to wait until the final hours before submitting because heavy traffic on the application system could prevent an application from arriving before the deadline. Late or non-electronic applications are not accepted.
Who Can Apply for Cicero Traineeships?
The programme primarily targets EU citizens, but there is an important provision for international applicants.
Citizens of third countries, including the United Kingdom, can also apply. However, they may only be selected in exceptional cases, particularly where their candidature is considered to be of special interest to the Committee of the Regions.
Third-country candidates must also comply with Belgian immigration requirements concerning their legal right to reside and work in Belgium.
Academic Requirements
Candidates should be university graduates who have obtained a complete undergraduate academic degree.
Alternatively, applicants who have completed at least the third year of higher education at university or an equivalent institution by the application closing date may qualify.
Applicants must also:
- Be fluent in one official EU language.
- Have satisfactory knowledge of English or French.
These requirements make the programme particularly relevant to university graduates and advanced students seeking professional exposure to European policymaking and public administration.
Previous EU Institution Experience Can Affect Eligibility
Applicants should pay particular attention to restrictions relating to previous work or traineeship experience within European institutions.
Candidates who have already completed more than eight weeks of an in-house placement, whether paid or unpaid, within a European institution, body, delegation or representative office are not accepted.
The restriction also applies to candidates who have previously had any form of employment in a European institution or body.
How to Apply for a Cicero Traineeship
Applicants can select up to three preferred CoR departments when completing their application.
Candidates should carefully complete all mandatory fields, provide accurate information and review the application before submitting it.
Only one application per traineeship period is permitted.
Applicants can make changes to their application form until the deadline. However, providing false information can result in rejection or cancellation of an awarded traineeship.
European Committee of the Regions Study Visits
The CoR also offers study visits for individuals interested in learning more about how regional and local authorities contribute to EU legislation.
These opportunities may be particularly useful for students completing academic projects or research relating to areas such as:
- Citizenship
- Cohesion
- Climate change
- Public procurement
- Security
Study visits allow participants to complement their academic preparation with direct experience of an EU consultative institution.
Funding Requirements for Study Visits
Unlike the paid Cicero traineeship, applicants for general study visits need to demonstrate another basis for supporting their participation.
Candidates must either provide proof of funding from another organisation—such as a university, NGO, public institution or private organisation—or demonstrate that the visit forms an integral part of their education.
For example, the visit could be required for thesis research or completion of a course of study.
How Long Do Study Visits Last?
Study visits normally last between:
1 and 4 months
They may be extended for up to six months depending on available resources.
Participants work full-time for 40 hours per week in Brussels. The starting date is agreed upon individually with the successful candidate.
Accident insurance is included, but health insurance is not provided.
Who Can Apply for a Study Visit?
Study visits primarily target EU citizens.
Third-country nationals, including UK citizens, may also apply and can be selected exceptionally if their candidature is particularly relevant to the CoR and they satisfy Belgian immigration requirements.
Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, although candidates who have completed half of a Bachelor’s programme considered relevant to the work of the CoR may also qualify.
Candidates must also be fluent in an EU language and have satisfactory knowledge of English or French.
Study Visits for Government Officials
A third opportunity is available specifically for people working within public authorities.
The scheme is intended for staff members or trainees from national, regional or local public authorities of EU Member States.
It provides participants with an opportunity to learn about the Committee of the Regions while strengthening collaboration and networking between the CoR and their employing public authority.
Duration and Funding for Government Officials
Government officials can participate for between:
2 and 6 months
An extension can potentially be authorised for a total period of up to 12 months.
The programme is full-time at 40 hours per week and takes place in Brussels.
Unlike the Cicero traineeship, this scheme is unpaid. Participants or their sending authorities are responsible for covering their expenses, although accident insurance is covered by the Committee of the Regions.
Eligibility for Government Officials
Candidates should normally be staff members or trainees working for a national, regional or local public authority in an EU Member State.
Applicants should also:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or have completed half of an appropriately relevant Bachelor’s programme.
- Work at a level and in a role corresponding to duties performed by EU staff at the CoR.
- Have excellent knowledge of English or French.
Third-country citizens may again be considered in exceptional circumstances subject to the relevant requirements.
Documents Government Officials May Need
Successful candidates may be asked to provide documentation including:
- Confirmation of employment from their sending authority.
- Agreement from the authority permitting the study visit.
- Proof of compulsory health insurance for the entire period.
- Copies of relevant diplomas or certificates.
- Evidence supporting professional experience stated in the application.
Important Information for All Applicants
Applicants can submit only one application for each traineeship scheme.
The Committee of the Regions also states that false information can result in an application being rejected or an existing traineeship being cancelled.
The institution provides arrangements for candidates with disabilities, special needs or medical conditions who require reasonable adjustments during the selection procedure.
Why Consider a European Committee of the Regions Traineeship?
For young graduates interested in European affairs, public policy, international relations, communications, law, economics, regional development or public administration, a CoR traineeship can provide direct exposure to an EU institution.
The Cicero Traineeship is particularly attractive because participants receive approximately €1,538 per month, work in Brussels for five months and may benefit from travel and mobility support.
Students who do not fit the Cicero format may instead consider a study visit, while eligible public-sector employees can explore the government officials programme.
Application Advice
Candidates interested in future sessions should prepare early.
Academic qualifications, language skills and previous EU institutional experience should be checked carefully before applying.
Applicants should also consider which CoR departments best match their academic background, interests and career objectives because Cicero applicants can indicate up to three preferred departments.
Most importantly, candidates should submit well before the application deadline rather than risk technical problems during periods of high application traffic.
Final Thoughts
The European Committee of the Regions Traineeships 2026–2027 provide several routes for people seeking experience within the European Union institutional environment.
The five-month Cicero Traineeship is the main paid opportunity, offering approximately €1,538 per month, travel and mobility support, and professional experience in Brussels.
Meanwhile, study visits provide opportunities for students and researchers, and the dedicated government officials scheme allows eligible public-sector professionals to gain direct exposure to the work of the Committee.
With opportunities spanning graduates, advanced students and public-sector professionals, the programme provides several pathways for gaining practical insight into how European regional and local interests contribute to EU policymaking.
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