What is it really like to be a Blue Book trainee at the European Research Executive Agency (REA)? We asked three of our current trainees – Jonathan Dechert, Marina Sirvent-Sanchez and Teresa Levi – to share their highlights, lessons learned and a glimpse into daily life at REA.
From conferences to Christmas markets
For Jonathan, one of the highlights was representing the Commission at conferences in Germany alongside colleagues. Engaging with politicians, scientists and civil society stakeholders offered valuable insight into how EU research and innovation connect with national debates, with a festive bonus of German Christmas markets along the way.
His advice to future applicants? Be authentic and specific about your strengths. “There’s a place for every kind of profile: don’t be intimidated by the EU bubble,” he says.
When everything starts to make sense
Marina describes her traineeship as a steep but rewarding learning curve. One defining moment stands out: leaving one meeting feeling completely lost, only to realise during the next that she was following the discussion with confidence. “That small ‘wait, I understand this now’ moment felt like a personal milestone,” she reflects.
Her message to applicants is clear: there is no perfect trainee profile. Being yourself matters more than trying to fit a mold.
Understanding EU funding from the inside
For Teresa, the traineeship has been a pivotal step in her career path. Having previously worked on Horizon Europe, she deepened her understanding of how EU funding programmes are managed in practice. She describes the experience as both challenging and inspiring - a transitional period that broadened her professional perspective.
Her advice? Show genuine interest in EU affairs. Whether you aim for a career inside or outside the institutions, understanding how the EU works is a valuable asset.
Coffee, acronyms and collaboration
Across their experiences, a common thread emerges: dynamic days filled with meetings, drafting, learning and collaboration often powered by coffee and punctuated by moments of laughter with fellow trainees.
The Blue Book traineeship at REA offers more than professional development. It provides hands-on insight into EU research and innovation, exposure to policy processes, and the opportunity to grow in an international, supportive environment.
If you are curious about how EU research and innovation is managed behind the scenes, a traineeship at REA could be your next step. Watch the video below to hear more Blue Book stories:
More about REA
The European Research Executive Agency manages EU-funded projects in research and innovation that contribute to a green, digital and inclusive Europe.
Between 2021 and 2027, we will invest over €22.7 billion to help the Commission achieve its key policy priorities and the EU Missions under Horizon Europe.
Follow us on LinkedIn, as well as on X at @REA_research and @EUGreenresearch, to learn more about what we do.
Registrations for the October-February 2026/27 Blue Book traineeship session open on 16 March and close on 7 April. Click here to find out more.
Details
- Publication date
- 9 March 2026
- Author
- European Research Executive Agency