Traineeships at REA: key insights and how to apply

What is the Blue Book Traineeship?

Twice a year, the European Commission opens its doors to young talents from all around the world for a 5-month paid traineeship. At the European Research Executive Agency (REA) we welcome trainees from various backgrounds and areas of expertise as part of this initiative.

REA is the Commission’s largest executive agency. Our objective is to implement the EU’s research and innovation policy, including parts of the Horizon Europe framework programme. To do this, we evaluate, select, and manage EU-funded research projects that support the EU’s main policy objectives. These include, among others, the EU Green Deal, digitalisation, policies on migration and integration, and defending democracy. We also boost researchers’ careers through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

We are looking for trainees who are eager to contribute to our daily work with backgrounds in:

• Communication
• Human resources
• Law
• Economics
• Project management (in the topics managed by REA)

Registrations for the March 2024 – July 2024 Blue Book Traineeship session have just opened. The deadline to apply is 31 August. When applying, please read the application procedure carefully and keep an eye out for the traineeship positions our agency offers.

Interested? Here are some important tips!

First and most importantly, see if you fit the eligibility criteria. Below you can find a checklist of the criteria you must fulfil to be able to apply:

Another thing to consider before applying is to do your research to have a comprehensive understanding of the EU bodies to narrow down your institution of choice. The Commission’s executive agencies offer a dynamic working environment, close to Europe’s greatest innovators. While the Commission focuses on developing policies and funding programmes, the executive agencies put them into action and feed their project results back into the policy-making process.

When applying, don’t forget to highlight all your skills, experiences, and motivation. Emphasise your language skills, interests in relevant policy areas and studies. Remember that you will have to submit all relevant documents within the specified timeframe.

Why become a Blue Book trainee at REA?

Professional development: the traineeship allows you to develop a wide range of skills, including in policy-making and analysis, EU law, project management, research, communication, human resources or finances.

Networking opportunities: you can build a network of contacts, including colleagues, experts, and other trainees.

Insight into EU decision-making: you will acquire a better understanding of the EU’s policy-making and funding process, and other initiatives in various fields, including the European Green Deal, the EU Missions, or the European Year of Skills.

Multicultural environment: the traineeship provides an opportunity to work in a diverse environment while interacting with colleagues from different nationalities and backgrounds.

The traineeship through the eyes of our March-July 2023 trainees

More about REA

The European Research Executive Agency funds and manages pioneering EU-funded projects in virtually all domains of research and innovation. From empowering a new generation of researchers to providing answers to pressing environmental and social issues, we select and fund innovative solutions that contribute to a green, digital, and inclusive Europe.

Between 2021 and 2027, we will invest over €22.7 billion in innovative projects, helping the Commission to achieve its key policy priorities and the EU Missions under Horizon Europe.

Consult our corporate brochure and follow us on Twitter at @REA_research and @EUGreenresearch, as well as on LinkedIn to learn more about what we do.

Registrations for the March-July 2024 Blue Book traineeship session are now open. Apply by 31 August 2023, 10:00 CET on the official Blue Book Traineeship programme website.